12+ Must-Try Red Lentil Recipes That Are Surprisingly Simple!

Red lentils are a staple in my kitchen, and for a good reason – they’re incredibly versatile and delicious. Here are 12 easy red lentil recipes that cover everything from quick snacks to satisfying dishes for any time of day. Each recipe is designed to be simple yet flavorful, perfect for busy schedules or cozy meals at home. Explore these dishes and discover new ways to enjoy red lentils in your everyday cooking!

Red lentil dal social media image. — Red Lentil Dal. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Golden Red Lentil Dal with Spinach: Sunshine in a Bowl

Enjoy a quick and wholesome dinner with this Indian Red Lentil Dal: One-Pot Wonder! Made with red lentils and spinach, this creamy vegan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Dal.

Next-Level Vegan: Red Lentil Pasta in Coconut Curry Sauce (One-Pot!)

Red lentil pasta MSN image. — Red Lentil Pasta. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Simplify your dinner routine with our Simple One-Pot Coconut Curry Red Lentil Pasta! With minimal prep, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and bursting with Indian-inspired flavors.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Pasta.

Red Lentil Pancakes with Cumin-Flavored Potatoes

Red lentil pancakes topped with potatoes. — Red Lentil Pancakes. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Start your day the delicious way! These protein-packed Red Lentil Pancakes are surprisingly easy to make and pair perfectly with cumin-spiced potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Pancakes.

Crispy Red Lentil Fritters: Perfect Gluten-Free Snack

Red lentil fritters on a white plate served with tomato ketchup. — Red Lentil Fritters. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

These crispy Red Lentil Fritters are a must-try for an easy, satisfying snack! Easy to make and irresistibly crunchy, these fritters are the perfect answer to your snack cravings.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Fritters.

Lentils, Peas, and Potato Curry: Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

Red Lentils, Peas, & Potato Curry in a white bowl. — Red Lentils, Peas & Potato Curry. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Plant-based and ready in a flash! This one-pot red lentil, pea, and potato curry is a flavorful and protein-rich weeknight dinner option. Easy to make and under an hour.
Get the recipe: Lentil, Peas, and Potato Curry.

Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup: Easy, 30 Minutes, One-Pot Meal

Tomato lentil soup topped with parsley. — Tomato Lentil Soup. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Cozy up with creamy Vegan Tomato Lentil Soup! Red lentils simmered to perfection in an Instant Pot for a quick, hearty, and healthy meal. Easy on the prep, big on flavor, perfect for busy nights.
Get the recipe: Tomato Red Lentil Soup.

Red Lentil Dal Buddha Bowl with 2-Ingredient Naan: Weeknight Dinner MVP

Red lentil dal Buddha bowl with 2-ingredient naan social media image. — Red Lentil Dal and Naan Buddha Bowl. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Red Lentil Dal Buddha Bowl with Easy 2-Ingredient Naan. This vegetarian bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner and is loaded with spiced red lentil dal, roasted veggies, and a cooling raita dressing. It’s also ideal for meal prepping.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Dal Buddha Bowl.

Chicken Lentil Curry

Cozy up with Comfort with red lentil and chicken curry in the Instant Pot! This easy recipe simmers flavorful spices with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and hearty red lentils for a satisfying, quick meal. It’s perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights.
Get the recipe: Chicken Lentil Curry.

Zucchini Dal: One-Pot Comfort Food You Must Try!

Zucchini dal social media image. — Zucchini Dal. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Craving comfort food but short on time? This one-pot Zucchini Dal with Rice might be your new weeknight hero! ‍♀️ Made with red lentils, zucchini, and fragrant spices, it’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy schedules.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Dal.

1-Ingredient Red Lentil Tofu: Soy-Free, Simple, and “Red-iculously” Easy

Red lentil tofu social media image. — Red Lentil Tofu. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Use this simple recipe to make your own red lentil tofu. This soy-free option is easy to prepare and versatile for various dishes. Whether adding it to a stir-fry or as a protein-packed topping, homemade tofu will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Tofu.

Protein-Packed Red Lentil Bread Rolls: No Grains, No Yeast, No Problem!

Lentil bread rolls social media image. — Red Lentil Dinner Rolls. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

These Red Lentil Bread Rolls are next-level delicious! Made with pantry staples, they’re high-protein, gluten-free, and ready in a flash!
Get the recipe: Lentil Dinner Rolls.

Savory Lentil Granola: Your New Go-To Homemade Breakfast

Red lentil granola social media image. — Red Lentil Granola. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Start your day right with this savory Red Lentil Granola! Made from wholesome ingredients and packed with robust flavor, it’s a delicious choice for breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Get the recipe: Red Lentil Granola.

Lentil Trail Mix: The Perfect Snack For Your Next Adventure

Lentil trail mix social media image. — Lentil Trail Mix. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

Elevate your snacking game with this homemade Lentil Trail Mix! Packed with high protein and free from grains, it’s perfect for clean eating.
Get the recipe: Lentil Trail Mix.

Collage of red lentil dishes. — Red Lentil Recipe Collection. Image Credit: Lentil Loving Family.

More High Protein Recipes

Chocolate, coconut, berries, and more—these high-protein desserts are easy to prep and even easier to enjoy. From no-bake bars and frozen bites to brownies and pudding, these recipes are perfect for meal prep, late-night cravings, or quick freezer snacks. Real ingredients, real flavor, and a little extra protein in every bite.
These easy high-protein breakfasts prove you don’t need eggs to start the day right. From protein-packed smoothies and yogurt bowls to savory ideas, these quick recipes are perfect for busy mornings. Keep your breakfast fresh, filling, and full of protein with simple meals you can prep ahead or make in minutes.
These protein coffee recipes blend the best of both worlds—your morning coffee and an easy boost of protein. From iced proffee drinks to blended mocha shakes, these ideas are perfect for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.
These wholesome cottage cheese recipes make it easy to add more protein to your meals without overthinking it. From creamy dips and spreads to high-protein breakfasts, snacks, and savory dinners, cottage cheese brings a fresh twist to everyday cooking.