Let’s be honest: the holidays are a monsoon of treats that can render you defenseless. Between parties, deadlines, shopping, wrapping, traveling, and remembering who you forgot to buy a present for, December is basically an Olympic sport! And for me, that’s exactly when this 5-minute Middle Eastern lentil salad becomes my secret weapon.
Yes. Lentils. Stay with me friends. This dish keeps me full, energized, and sane during a season where every surface seems to be covered with chocolate bark and Christmas crack. This lentil salad in particular is bright, tangy, fresh, and ridiculously easy — because it starts with one of my favorite Trader Joe’s hacks: their ready-to-eat Steamed Lentils.
If you’ve never tried them, they’re the definition of convenience. No soaking. No boiling. No babysitting a pot. You rip open the package and you’re already halfway to a full meal. And honestly? In a month where just getting through the to-do list feels insurmountable, a shortcut like this feels like an act of self-love.
So why does this salad work so well during the holidays? For one, this combination hits all of your taste buds, from sweet and tangy, to smoky and savory. There is plenty of fiber to keep your full for hours, ten grams of protein to keep you satisfied, healthy fats for long lasting energy, and a crunch and freshness to wake up your palate and make it sparkle:
If you’re looking for a holiday side, a meal-prep staple, or a quick lunch that doesn’t leave you hungry 20 minutes later, add this to your rotation. Your future self (and your waistband) will thank you. To check out my new video on this salad, click below:
Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Lentil Salad
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Cooked Lentils
- 2-3 Sliced scallions
- 1 Chopped red bell pepper (or any color bell pepper you like)
- Handful of chopped cilantro
- Freshly chopped handful of mint
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Dressing:
- Fresh juice of one lemon
- 1/4 cup Pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- Salt + pepper to taste
- Chop up the scallions, red pepper, cilantro, and mint and add to a large bowl. Break apart the lentils with your fingers or a fork and combine with the veggies, pomegranate seeds and herbs. Whisk the dressing ingredients from the lemon juice to the salt and pepper to taste. Add to the lentil mixture and combine thoroughly. Voila! Enjoy.
