Packed with protein and fiber, lentils are a great pantry staple to have on hand, and these dinner recipes are the perfect way to transform them into a tasty meal. Recipes, like our High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup or our Roasted Squash & Lentil Kale Salad, take just 30 minutes or less of active time to prepare. Try one (or all!) of these recipes and unlock all the tasty potential that lentils have to offer.

01 of 10

High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

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02 of 10

Roasted Squash & Lentil Kale Salad

This squash lentil salad packs 11 grams of fiber and features plenty of kale, a powerful prebiotic that helps set the stage for a healthy gut. This salad can be assembled in a Mason jar so you can prep it the night before for a healthy, grab-and-go lunch the next day.

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03 of 10

Lemony Lentil & Cauliflower Cup Soup

This bright lemony soup gets its boost of fiber and earthy, nutty flavor from ingredients like lentils and bulgur. Bulgur adds heartiness and a nice chewy texture, but you can swap it out for another cooked grain like brown rice or quinoa. Plus, the broth gets gentle heat from harissa paste. If you don’t wish to travel with vegetable broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water.

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04 of 10

Braised Black Lentil & Quinoa Bowls

These healthy vegetarian bowls feature black lentils braised in spices like thyme and smoked paprika. Riced cauliflower and quinoa bulk up the dish to make it satisfying for any weeknight dinner. A creamy yogurt topping finishes the recipe.

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05 of 10

Red Lentil Fritters with Ginger-Yogurt Sauce

Here we soak lentils instead of fully cooking them, which gives them just enough added moisture to be whirred up into a fritter without being too wet. Serve these curry-spiced fritters on top of a green salad or tucked into a pita.

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06 of 10

Red Lentil Soup with Saffron

This hearty red lentil soup uses spices common in Persian cuisine: turmeric, cumin and saffron. Enjoy it with a warm baguette or steamed rice.

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07 of 10

Braised Lentils & Kale with Fried Eggs

These braised lentils are cooked with tender kale and bathed in a fire-roasted tomato broth with an egg on top to pack in the protein. Microwaveable lentils need just a short time in the pan to finish cooking. If you have cooked or canned lentils on hand, you can use them in their place, but you may have to shave a few minutes off the cooking time so they don’t get too soft. We like how the soft, runny yolk coats the dish. If you want a harder yolk, cover the pan and add 2 or 3 minutes to the cooking time.

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08 of 10

Daal Tarka (Spiced Lentils)

Variations of daal (or dal) and tarka (or tadka)—a mixture of aromatics, vegetables and spices spooned over the top of the daal for extra flavor—are served throughout the Indian subcontinent and parts of southeast Asia. This version is served at Nepali Mountain Kitchen, part of the Mango House community in Aurora, Colorado. Give the dish a generous stir before digging in to ensure the tarka gets thoroughly incorporated.

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09 of 10

Quick Lentil Salmon Salad

In this budget-friendly salmon recipe, canned salmon tops lentils, carrots and celery–ingredients you probably have on hand already. Fiber-rich lentils come in a variety of colors and they typically cook faster than dried beans, so they’re a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner.

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10 of 10

Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup

Puréeing some of the lentil-vegetable mixture then combining it with the remaining vegetables and lentils gives the soup a texture that satisfies both those who love a creamy soup and those who prefer it chunky. Serve this slow-cooker lentil soup with crackers.

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