It's said we eat with our eyes first. Colorful veggies are sending a happy signal to your brain that this will be GOOOOOOOD and you should eat it!!!!
Soft goat cheese mixed in between fresh veggies and hearty lentils make this a main dish kind of salad. Perfect for a Meatless Monday dinner because it's so filling you won't miss the meat in the least!
Are you a fan of beets? I've NEVER EVER EVER EVER liked them and I've tried I promise you!
BUT I have been converted to beet lover. How you ask? I decided to take a chance on steamed beets I found at Trader Joe's. I knew if I hated them my hubby would eat them so it wasn't a waste for me to buy them.
I can only say to you that this has absolutely NO comparison to canned beets in the least, whatsoever! They are amazingly delicious!!!
You can also just use canned beets in this recipe I suppose, but I really don't recommend them. If a Trader Joe's isn't close by, just get some fresh beets and follow this method from the Food Network to cook them. A much better option than canned, unless you actually liked canned beets that is. 🙂
Another reason this salad is so super easy to put together.......already packaged cooked lentils of course!!!
If you don't have a Trader Joe's near by, of course you can simply cook the lentils at home. Here's a great link for you from The Kitchn about cooking Lentils.
The pictures show half a cup of cooked lentils over the salad. But when I figured out the nutrition info I reduced the amount since it was over 400 calories and higher in fat as well as 10 or 11 Weight Watchers Points Plus. If that's not an issue for you, use the half cup instead.
Top with Balsamic dressing and enjoy immediately!
Spinach Lentil Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing {No Added Sugar}
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup cooked lentils
- 2 small fresh beets steamed, peeled, quartered or sliced
- ½ cup sliced orange or red bell pepper
- ½ cup cherry or sunburst tomatoes sliced
- 1 ounce goat cheese crumbled
- Balsamic Dressing
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add spinach to a serving bowl or plate.
- Top with cooled lentils and the rest of the ingredients.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Pour over salad. Serves 1. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Terri Cook
what if you use the fresh orange beets, do they have a different flavor?
Elle
Brenda I am thankful for all the helpful hints that you show in this recipe.
The fact that you can buy some of these ingredients pre-made to cut down on prep and cooking time makes my life so much easier.
There are so many of us that do not think that we have the time to prepare healthy and nutritious meals.
This recipe proves that wrong. I cannot wait to try it.
Not that I am expecting much in the way of leftovers, but does it store well?
I’m thinking it would be great to have some leftover for lunch for the next day!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
What a great looking, summery and flavorful salad! Love your basic balsamic dressing, too. Great recipe!
Brenda
Thanks Georgia!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
I love beets! If you enjoyed them too then you must try them roasted instead of steamed- they're infinitely better that way!! Great salad combo!
Brenda
I've heard roasting them is wonderful! Thanks will try & let you know!