Main image of Lentil Taco Salad

Lentil Taco Salad

30 min

Meal

Salad
The mixture of lentils, chopped walnuts, and sunflower seeds help to bulk up the salad, making it a hearty meal choice for warm summers when you couldn't be bothered to cook anything that might heat up the kitchen. The addition of homemade guacamole and the cashew lime cream make it deliciously saucy and flavourful.

Servings

Total

30 min

Prep

30 min

Contains

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

Spice mix

  • 1 tsp (3 g)
    garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (2 g)
    onion powder
  • 1 tsp (2 g)
    paprika powder
  • 1 tsp (3 g)
    ground cumin
  • ½ tsp
    chili powder
  • ¼ tsp
    salt
  • ⅛ tsp
    ground black pepper

Lentil walnut topping

  • 1½ cups (297 g)
    cooked brown lentils
  • ½ cup (58 g)
    raw walnuts, chopped
  • ¼ cup (36 g)
    roasted sunflower seeds, chopped
  • 1 tsp (5 mL)
    olive oil

Salad base

  • 4 cups (140 g)
    romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1
    medium tomato, seeds removed, diced
  • 1
    bell pepper, diced
  • ½
    cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup (82 g)
    canned corn, drained
  • ¼ cup (34 g)
    sliced black olives

Cashew lime cream

  • ½ cup (65 g)
    raw cashews
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL)
    boiling water
  • 1
    lime, juiced

Quick guacamole

  • 1
    avocado, chopped
  • 1
    lime, juiced
  • 3
    cloves garlic, crushed
  • ½
    small red onion, diced

More optional toppings

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Directions

  1. In a small jar, combine all the spices for the spice mix.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the lentils, walnuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil, and the spice mix. Set aside.
  3. In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, and olives. Set aside.
  4. Add all the cashew lime cream ingredients to a small food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  5. To make the guacamole, mash the avocado in a bowl with a fork, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
  6. To assemble, add the salad base to the bottom of your bowl. Top it with scoops of the lentil-walnut mixture, then add any desired toppings like guacamole, sriracha, salsa, cashew lime cream, or fresh cilantro. Lastly, add a crunch from crushed tortilla chips if desired. Enjoy!

Storage

  • Store components separately in air-tight containers in the fridge for up to one week.
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Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 0%
Proteins 24%

• cooked brown lentils

• raw walnuts

• roasted sunflower seeds

• raw cashews

Fruits & Veggies 76%

• romaine lettuce

• medium tomato

• bell pepper

• cucumber

• canned corn

• sliced black olives

• lime

• avocado

• lime

• clove garlic

• small red onion

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

• raw walnuts

• roasted sunflower seeds

• olive oil

• sliced black olives

• raw cashews

• avocado

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

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Discussion & Rating

Rate this post

Kara - July 27, 2022, 3:31 a.m.

This recipe is seriously so, so good. I roasted the corn since I had a couple cobs in the fridge and it was elite. Fresh, spicy, crunchy, creamy, all the good things. This will likely become part of our regular meal rotation!

PUL Team - July 28, 2022, 7:22 a.m.

Mmm sounds lovely, Kara, we're so happy to hear!

Reply
Debbie - July 9, 2022, 3:32 p.m.

This is one of my all time favourite salads, it's absolutely delicious and so healthy that I feel amazing after eating it. I meal prep the parts of the salad so I can have it three days in a row and it's super quick to assemble on the second and third day. Thanks so much for this recipe, I love it!

PUL Team - July 10, 2022, 5:18 p.m.

We appreciate it so much, Debbie, and are so glad the recipe is being enjoyed 😃

Reply
Ema - July 7, 2022, 8:59 p.m.

Delicious, delicious, delicious. Thank you very much. I’m sharing your journey for more than 2 years and tested almost all recipes. All delicious, thank you so much for teaching us how to eat better and feel better. Love and Light!

PUL Team - July 8, 2022, 12:39 a.m.

Oh it means so much, Ema, thank you! Wishing you an abundance of health and wellness 🤗

Reply
Enia - June 21, 2022, 12:03 a.m.

It was sooo delicious!
I didn't add guacamole, since I don't like avocados, so I doubled the cashew cream.
It was just perfect.

PUL Team - June 22, 2022, 4:09 p.m.

A lovely modification, Enia, thank you!

Reply
Aurora - June 14, 2022, 11:01 p.m.

Delish.

Reply
Erica - June 9, 2022, 6:52 p.m.

The nuts and seeds combined with the lentils is soooo good! Thanks for giving new inspiration to a classic Mexican dish!

PUL Team - June 10, 2022, 11:47 p.m.

Aw we're so happy the dish is being enjoyed, Erica!

Reply
Agathe - April 16, 2022, 11:05 a.m.

hello PUL ! I don't have cashews on hand, what can I use instead of the cashew Cream ?

PUL Team - April 16, 2022, 8:09 p.m.

Hey Agathe, the cashews serve to help thicken the sauce so you could use an alternative nut or seed, such as almonds, in its place if desired.

In any case, the cashew cream sauce can be omitted or substituted with another flavourful topping such as fresh lime juice, vegan sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce. We hope you enjoy it 😃

Reply
Sasha - March 24, 2022, 10:11 p.m.

So versatile!!

Reply
imsen - Feb. 15, 2022, 5:05 p.m.

This salad was delicious and filling. I especially loved the dressing and the the spices on the turkey. I have mad ethos twice in one week because it was so good. I highly recommend it! :)

PUL Team - Feb. 15, 2022, 9:22 p.m.

Hey Imsen, we're glad the recipe is being enjoyed :)

Reply
Linda - Oct. 25, 2021, 12:52 a.m.

A total hit with the whole family. This was such a pleasant surprise. I made this knowing I’d love it but I wasn’t sure my kids would as lentils have never gone down well. I’m overjoyed that this was enjoyed so much and my girls have asked for it again. It makes me so happy to find good tasty food they enjoy. Thanks again for another recipe to add to our family favourites

PUL Team - Oct. 26, 2021, 4:53 a.m.

Aw we're smiling from ear to ear! Thank you, Linda, for taking the time to share the lovely review 😊

Reply
Briana - Oct. 12, 2021, 3:19 a.m.

I’m trying to eat more vegan meals. I haven’t fully committed to being vegan (although healthy wise it’s my only option). But this meal was so good! I’m going to make it for my family.

PUL Team - Oct. 13, 2021, 2:52 a.m.

Thank you for allowing PUL to be part of your vegan journey, Briana! All the best to you and your family ✨

Reply
Uschi - Sept. 28, 2021, 1:26 p.m.

Oh wowww, what an explosion of perfectly combined aromas and textures! This salad is a source of happiness! ☀️
(Even without lettuce and when swapping the walnuts for almonds.)

PUL Team - Sept. 29, 2021, 6:39 p.m.

Woohoo! So glad the recipe was enjoyed, Uschi, thank you 🙂

Reply
Erin - Sept. 25, 2021, 6:43 a.m.

Love, love, love this one! This lentil walnut mix is super quick & easy, and I use leftovers in a wrap for lunches on the go. Although I've been a fan & follower for years, It's been a while since I've visited your website for recipes. You've created a masterpiece!

PUL Team - Sept. 26, 2021, 1:48 a.m.

Hi, Erin! Aw thanks so much for the kind words and review. It means so much to have you here 💚

Reply
Erin - Sept. 22, 2021, 4:13 p.m.

I absolutely love this salad. I used a general taco spice mix and it worked perfectly. The fresh guacamole and the cashew cream really make this salad, don't skip out on them! I think for leftovers I am going to rip the lettuce more and use rice as the base of the bowl. This is one of my favorite recipes because it is very easy and very filling!

PUL Team - Sept. 22, 2021, 10:15 p.m.

Mmm love the idea of a bowl, Erin! Thanks for taking the time to share☺️

Reply
Alina - Sept. 14, 2021, 9:54 p.m.

This is my go-to salad whenever I feel like making something that's super easy and not too heavy.
It's the perfect mix of everything. Thank you so much fo this wonderful meal!

Reply
Lorena - Sept. 8, 2021, 6:08 a.m.

Delicious and healthy salad. So easy to make!
I didn't have avocado or coriender but it still tasted so good. I didn't have the spice mix either, so used a mexican mix which is very similar.
Thank you for creating these amazing recipes!

PUL Team - Sept. 8, 2021, 6:11 p.m.

Aw so glad the recipe was enjoyed with the adjustments, Lorena, thank you!

Reply
Clara - Aug. 28, 2021, 12:06 a.m.

An easy and very delicious salad recipe ! We made this at least 10 times already and it never disappoints :)) all the flavors are incredibly delicious and the different textures from the ingredients make it even better 😍 we usually add some smoked tofu to the lentil mix. It goes really well together and we get another great protein source ! I love this salad and I look forward to eating this again :))

PUL Team - Aug. 28, 2021, 11:11 p.m.

We're so thrilled to hear this, Clara, thanks a bunch for sharing! Smoked tofu is a lovely idea 😍

Reply
Taiwanese Papaya - Aug. 20, 2021, 6:45 a.m.

I love this salad! :)

Reply
Laura - Aug. 11, 2021, 1:10 p.m.

Every single time I try a new recipe on pick up limes my taste buds are having a party. I wasn't expecting to like it so much because i'm usually not the biggest lentil fan but now i've tried it, I wouldn't make this salad without the lentil-nu-spice mix. It just lifts the whole dish to a higher level. I added one tbsp of nutritional yeast to the cashew dressing which for me made a big difference. This salad is definitely worth the effort!!
Thanks Sadia ❤️

PUL Team - Aug. 11, 2021, 4:35 p.m.

Oh, Laura, this means so much! Thank you for the glowing review and support 🥰 We love the idea of adding nutritional yeast to the dressing 🤤

Reply
Robyn - July 29, 2021, 3:41 p.m.

Got my omnivore housemate to try the lentil mixture - he was so impressed he said he wouldn’t think twice if he was given that in a beef taco. Left out the cashew cream to save money but it was still one of the best salads I’ve ever had! The homemade tortilla chips are also essential in this and it was a great way of using some that are a bit too stale to use for wraps

PUL Team - July 30, 2021, 11:25 a.m.

What a compliment! Thanks for making and sharing the recipe with your roommate, Robyn 🤗

Reply
Rosalie - July 27, 2021, 4 a.m.

Superb! This salad is perfection, every element comes together so nicely and it doesn't take too long to make! I highly reccomend!

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Christina - July 25, 2021, 6:23 p.m.

This recipe is amazing - it's a regular summer favorite in our household, and I recently made it for non-vegan relatives, who loved it as well. It's especially good with some Cholula, if you've got it!

PUL Team - July 27, 2021, 5:21 p.m.

So happy you're enjoying the tacos, Christina 😊

Reply
Lily - July 25, 2021, 3:37 a.m.

This recipe is so tasty! She honestly is so smart with spices. That Mexican spice mix she uses in this really makes it taste so taco-y! Also not lying when they say it’s filling. Highly recommend this one!

PUL Team - July 26, 2021, 9:09 p.m.

We appreciate this so much, Lily, thanks a bunch 🤗

Reply
Sarah - July 14, 2021, 1:16 p.m.

this was delicious! will for sure be making it again

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Lotte - July 10, 2021, 9:49 p.m.

Made this tonight and the colours on my plate alone already cheered me up. And it was very tasty too! Perfect salad for the hot weather we've had here recently. Can't wait to make it again, with the cashew cream this time (I had none in my cupboard today)

PUL Team - July 16, 2021, 4:04 a.m.

Woohoo! Thank you for the incredible review, Lotte, it means so much. Gotta love eating the rainbow 🌈

Reply
ellbell - July 5, 2021, 10:49 p.m.

Hello, Can you suggest an alternative to walnuts if I am allergic? Thank you!

PUL Team - July 7, 2021, 7:22 a.m.

Wonderful question, Ellbell! For a nut-free substitute, we'd recommend seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or more sunflower seeds. Alternatively, you could opt for no walnuts with optional additional lentils if desired 🙂 Let us know how it goes if you experiment with the recipe!

Ellbell - July 7, 2021, 4:01 p.m.

Thank you so much!

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Erin - June 6, 2021, 10:32 p.m.

This recipe was absolutely delicious. I left out the corn because I'm not a fan. Making it was a breeze and I couldn't believe how comfortably full I was after! I couldn't wait until the next day so I could have it for lunch. This is one I'm going to use again and again.

PUL Team - June 7, 2021, 3:25 p.m.

We appreciate you sharing this so much, Erin! So glad you enjoyed the taco salad 🤗

Reply