Looking for recipes to use up all of those lentils you’ve been hoarding in your pantry? Look no further! I’ve sorted out the best vegan lentil recipes from across the web and organized them by lentil type to make it easier for you.
This list has recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers (who are probably some of yours as well!), and I made sure to include a wide variety of dishes so that you don’t just get 30 ideas for dals (no hate to dals!!). If you make one of these make sure to leave a comment saying how it went! And if you have a favorite lentil recipe that you don’t see here, leave the title and site name in the comments for us to check out. <3
Best Vegan Lentil Recipes
There is no shortage of vegan lentil recipes in this round up, and if you're looking for ideas based on the lentils you have on hand already, the color order goes: green/brown, red/yellow, then black/white.
Brown & Green Lentil Recipes
I feel like brown and green lentils are so easy to find for most people but not always the most inspiring, but HOLY MOLY the recipes featured here are drool-worthy!
Need another use for lentils? Try out these Air Fryer BBQ Lentil Meatballs! Chewy and flavorful on the inside, while slightly crunchy on the outside, then slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce.
I've made lentil hummus before and it is SO good! This one from Sweet Simple Vegan looks so dang creamy and easy-to-make.
To ring in the season, I've brought a squash recipe to the table! This Kabocha Squash Feta Salad is booming with flavor and color.
I love a hands-off oven bake for dinner time and this casserole from Thinly Spread looks so comforting and flavorful.
"A dry soup mix is great for taking camping or keeping in your earthquake kit in case of emergencies. This soup mix is made up of hearty lentils and mushrooms, plus beatiful black pearl rice, and some of my favorite herbs and spices." Reprinted with permission from Vegan Yack Attack On the Go! copyright 2018, Jackie Sobon and Fair Winds Press
Tabbouleh is a delicous and herby Lebanese dish, typically made with bulgur wheat, but Occasionally Eggs has opted for a gluten-free version that is higher in protein because it uses lentils!
Sopa de Lentejas is a simple and flavorful Mexican soup that uses basic ingredients and is easy to make!
Golabkis AKA Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, veganized! Made with plant-based ingredients for a filling, comforting, nutritious meal.
If you have my book, Vegan Yack Attack on the Go! you have seen this lentil ball with zesty meal prep recipe, but Jessica in the Kitchen was kind enough to share it on her site for y'all!
This Masala Lentil Salad seems like a great, nourishing recipe to make for meal prep in the fall!
Put those dried lentils to delicious use with an easy, one-pot lentil mushroom pasta! This recipe is savory, satiating, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
I'm such a sucker for Mediterranean flavors and this salad from Spabettie looks like the perfect mix of them!
Holiday season is coming up soon so it's a good idea to keep this Lentil Vegetable Wellington recipe on hand!
If you're looking for a meal prep that doesn't have tofu or seitan this bowl is a great option!
"This dish was the absolute most popular recipe from my TV series on Cooking Channel. People went absolutely nuts for these tacos and it’s easy to see why. The lentils and cauliflower team up to form the ground “meat” in this dish with authentic Mexican spices. The perfectly creamy guacamole and fresh fixings will make even the most ardent carnivore do a double take after the very first bite."
There's nothing quite like eating sloppy joes to take you back to your childhood, and it helps that this lentil version doesn't take much time to make!
Picadillo is typically a ground meat-style dish but Dora has made this vegan version with lentils!
Red Lentil Recipes
One of the reasons I love red lentils is that they are split and take a fraction of the cooking time other lentils do! This makes them great to add to stews, oatmeal, or blend up!
I couldn't have a lentil recipe round up without any traditional Indian dishes in it! This Masoor Dal from Make it Dairy Free looks perfect.
Even though soups and stews are a giving with lentils, I welcome the outliers like this protein-rich lentil patties with sriracha tahini sauce.
Does this Curried Pumpkin and Lentil Soup not look so incredibly LUSH?? Looks perfect for enjoying during the colder months of the year.
I am loving the tropical flavors and ingredients showcased ni this Caribbean Curry recipe that features plantains, lentils, and other veggies.
These red lentil pancakes come together with few ingredients and can be used in so many ways while still being allergy-friendly!
If you've never had kitchari you are missing out! I love that this recipe from Vegan Richa is also made in the instant pot for a hands off meal.
Here is another red lentil soup, but with brighter flavors of lemon and kale. I could see this soup being eaten in between winter and spring!
I had never thought to put red lentils in a peanut sauce but what Richa has made here looks so creamy and amazing.
Instant Pot Yellow Split Peas with Tomatoes (Tarka Dal) - Plant Based Instant Pot
Here is another instant pot recipe for those convenient weeknight meals, though this one would be great served alongside some basmati rice!
Black (beluga) and White Lentil Recipes
I have a soft spot for black/beluga lentils and their typically tiny and firm shape that they hold even after being thorough cooked. Though I had never seen white lentils before I knew I had to feature them!
This hearty and delicious dish of Roasted Carrots & Creamy Quinoa is protein-packed and healthy!
Squash stuffed with beluga lentils and plenty of aromatic spices and topped with a cashew raita!
This meatloaf uses a hybrid recipe of both vegan ground and lentils for a flavorful centerpiece.
I mean... how stunning does this dish look? Perfectly roasted cauliflower, asparagus, romesco sauce and savory lentils.
Can you think of a more perfect use for white lentils? They blend effortlessly into the plant-based risotto and are topped with sauteed mushrooms.
No matter the time of year, pizza always hits the spot! What better way to get your BBQ and pie cravings covered, than with this Grilled BBQ Lentil Pizza?
Ultra-creamy black lentils made in the Instant Pot and served with vegan naan!
So many fresh flavors from crunchy veg, and herbs make this salad bright and tasty.
This dish of black lentils, forbidden rice, squash, and cauliflower is dramatic, dark, totally vegan, and made using the instant pot.
