Aggie's Kitchen

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro & Taking Care Of Yourself During The Holidays

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro is a filling vegetarian salad that is filled with protein and flavor. Serve it as a main meal, a side dish or snack.

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro is a filling vegetarian salad that is filled with protein and flavor. Serve it as a main meal, a side dish or snack.

It happens every year…one second you are trick or treating with your kids, then next thing you know you just finished washing all of your Thanksgiving leftover tupperware and people are asking you if you’ve finished your Christmas shopping yet. It’s seriously so hard to wrap your mind around how fast time flies around this time of year (so cliche, I know). And how “busy” we tend to feel every day.

Personally, I’m not a fan of time flying fast and feeling busy. I have to constantly keep myself in check. My husband likes to keep me in check too. 😉

My friend Sandy wrote a post on savoring the holidays the other day and it really stuck with me. From her post:

DON’T FORGET TO BREATH.

I think as women we sometimes forget to breathe during the month of December! So today I’m sharing my 5 tips for a less stressful month of December. I’m sharing from the perspective of a 50+ year old, married woman, mama of 3 adult kids, and what I’ve learned from some crazy holiday seasons. Seriously, I think in our 30s we’re just trying to do to much and impress one another. In my 40s I learned to slow down, but still piled quite a bit on. Now today, I’m savoring every moment that I can by planning, spreading out the activities, having down time, and not overdoing. Basically, the holidays for our family mean being with the people we love.

Sandy’s words above and tips in her post are absolutely ON POINT. I encourage you to read her post and really think about how you personally spend your holiday season. I am so so thankful to have friends like her who remind me to slow down and breathe (and not just during the holidays).

Another thing that seems to happen to us around this time of year too is feeling tired, run down and just spent. Doesn’t sound fun does it? All the busyness tends to eventually catch up with us and if we are not getting the rest we need, the exercise we need and eating food that is good for our bodies, well…we start to feel it. (Not to mention all the sick germs that are floating around right now too!) I thought a lot about this this morning while I was out walking with my little guy. This past month I have not been doing a good job of taking care of myself (I did get hit with the flu and an sinus infection back to back so that is part of the reason…but leading to that hasn’t been great either). Not getting in walks, not getting enough rest, you know the drill…well, humor me here as I list out a few things that I told myself I need to be doing to take better care of myself — starting now. None of these things are new, they are literally just the basics. And really, they are just a friendly reminder and encouragement for all of us to remember to take care of ourselves during this {hectic} time of year.

5 Ways To Take Care Of Yourself During The Holidays:

1. Get your rest. Yes, that might mean putting your laptop or phone away (and I mean away from your bed) earlier on in the evening. It could mean tucking your kids in a little earlier too. It might mean not staying up too late to finish your latest book (boo!). I know I need my 8 hours of sleep to feel my best. It feels like a bummer sometimes, but shutting it down early enough to get those hours (whatever they may be) is totally worth it. Our immune systems and moods always suffer when we don’t get enough rest.

2. Take your vitamins. For some reason, I stopped taking my vitamins regularly a couple of months ago. No reason why, just got out of routine and got lazy about it. I take a prenatal vitamin (still, because I just like it), vitamin B12 strips, and turmeric capsules regularly. (I would check with your physician before taking any vitamins and supplements.)

3. Exercise! Now, hear me out on this one. I am very realistic about my exercise this time of year. All I want to do is move my body and get in a good sweat for a good 30-45 minutes. I’m not training for a half marathon (though I have done that before during this time of year, one day again!), or trying to make every class at the gym (confession: I haven’t been to the gym in months 😉 ). What I am doing is taking walks with my little man, good walks. I am getting fresh air, sweating and spending time with my boy. That is what my exercise looks like right now. Find your exercise. It might be a walk outdoors if you live somewhere where the weather lets you, it might be a class or the elliptical at the gym before or after work or on the weekend. Or it could be Jillian’s 30-Day Shred (20 minute killer workouts!) or Yoga Meltdown. Do what works for you. Just do something. It will balance out all the extra food and wine we are having this month!

4. Eat a salad a day. If you know me, you know I love my salads! Well, truth be told — I’m not loving salads right now. It happens. But I know I need my salads more than ever right now. Take the time to prep some greens, find a new salad dressing to love or make a salad that’s a little different (like this one here today) from the norm to keep things interesting. The point is to just eat a big bowl of veggies (aka “salad”) every day and feel good about it. Like I said above – it’s all about the balance right now!

5. Stretch your body. You don’t have to be a runner or big time exerciser to have tight muscles. I get my worst muscle aches from sitting here at the computer for long periods of time (my posture is horrible!). This morning I did a simple yoga stretch (triangle pose) and oh my goodness was my body ever so grateful.  I didn’t realize how tight my muscles were until I took a few minutes to stretch out a bit. Yoga will always be my favorite way to stretch (and strengthen) my body, and I found this very cool page of all kinds of yoga poses and guides for anyone and everyone. Even if you don’t do “yoga” get some stretching in one way or another, your neck, back and legs will thank you! Don’t forget about that foam roller too!

Ok…I’m done talking about what I need to be doing to take care of myself. I’m ready to eat. 🙂

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro is a filling vegetarian salad that is filled with protein and flavor. Serve it as a main meal, a side dish or snack.

I love lentil salads. I’ve made a few over the years (this Mediterranean Lentil Salad is one of my favorites), and I when I found this Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro recipe in my new America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook I couldn’t wait to try it. I had all the ingredients on hand, and I also learned a new method to cooking lentils too (gotta love ATK!). I have already made chickpea cakes from this same cookbook and they turned out amazing!

Baked Lentils

Baking lentils in the oven – don’t be intimidated! It’s quite easy actually and the lentils turned out firm and tasty!

This Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro is the type of food that is great to have on hand for quick lunches or even a snack. It’s light, and full of protein so it fills you up – in the best way possible. It’s delicious on it’s own, but makes a great side dish to broiled fish or chicken.

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro is a filling vegetarian salad that is filled with protein and flavor. Serve it as a main meal, a side dish or snack.

Print Recipe

Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro

Yield: 4-6 servings

Total Time:1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth or water if you want to keep it vegetarian)
  • 5 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

To prepare lentils:

  1. Combine lentils and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cover with 4 cups warm water and soak for 1 hour. Drain well. (Drained lentils can be refrigerated up to 2 days before cooking.)
  2. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine drained lentils, 2 cups water, 2 cups broth or water, garlic, bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium (ovenproof) saucepan. Cover pot and transfer to oven. Bake until lentils are tender but still intact, 40-60 minutes.
  3. Drain lentils well and discard garlic and bay leaf.

To prepare lentil salad:

  1. Whisk oil, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne (if using) together in a large bowl.
  2. Add drained lentils, carrots, and cilantro to oil and lemon juice mixture. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

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More vegetarian salad recipes like this Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro:

Balela Salad | Reluctant Entertainer

Vegan Ancient Grain Salad | The View From Great Island

Fireworks Orzo Salad | It’s Yummi

For more healthy recipes check out my Pinterest board. Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Healthy Recipes on Pinterest.

 

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24 comments on “Lentil Salad with Carrots and Cilantro & Taking Care Of Yourself During The Holidays”

  1. What an absolutely gorgeous salad! And you are so right, it’s important to keep taking care or ourselves during the holidays. 🙂

  2. The holidays can be so hectic, so I am glad that you shared a few tips! I think I will start with a big bowl of this salad!

  3. Gorgeous Salad! And great tips. They are easy things to do, but most people just don’t think about them!!

  4. Gah! This looks great! I’m a carrot addict, so I love pretty much any dish that involves carrots. I am definitely feeling the rush rush rush

  5. Don’t get me started. How is it December? I can’t handle it. Wasn’t it just summer?

    Ok… enough ranting. This salad. I’m in love. Seriously, totally… in love.

  6. Thanks for sharing, Aggie. I love your tips as well … stretching … oh, so important! I’ve finally figured that out! Anyway, I ADORE this salad. So fresh. I have lentils in my fridge right now! YUM!

  7. Love this salad and I agree with ALL of your tips!!! So important this time of year.

  8. I can’t wait to try this salad and, as always, your tips are on point!

  9. I love lentil salads. I love lentils I wish the were more common as they are so good and good for you. This salad looks great.

    • I feel the same! The nutrition from lentils is incredible, so I’m going to make an effort to cook them more. I am going to have to because I recently bought a huge “Lentil Trio” bag at Costco 🙂 Thanks so much!

  10. I really needed to read this post today, thank you for sharing it! With the move to the new house and the holidays, my stress level has been higher than usual and I have not been doing the best job of taking care of myself. Right after I read this post, I had to go grocery shopping and while I was in the store, I bought myself some multi-vitamins. It’s crazy how simple self-care is but it’s the first thing that flies out the window when “lie happens”. I am going to print out your post and keep it front and center on my desk to remind myself to stop and take many breathers during the day so I can stay calm and focused. And I’m definitely going to make this lentil salad. You need to publish a cookbook with your salad recipes! Miss you, friend! 🙂 xo

    • Oh Flavia, not happy to hear about your stress but I really do understand. (I felt same last year around this time after my move!). I’m so glad you bought those vitamins and the post was timely 🙂 And you are the sweetest ever about saying that about a cookbook…you may have planted a seed in my head. Love you!! xo

  11. I will be posting this on my desk for the holiday season. My son is coming home for 10 days and I am determined to take at least 7 of those days off. No matter what.

    I love this salad. I tend to forget salad when making meals. I grew up in a weird household where we never, and I mean never, ate salad. Strange, I know. I have to really remind myself to make them.

    • I hope you do take those days off! Read Sandy’s post…it really nailed it for me. So much wisdom, and truth. It’s really about the people…not stuff to do! I’m trying so hard to keep it cool this year 🙂

  12. A wonderful recipe, and salads never go astray here in our warm climate down under. I am a great fan of lentils not to mention Cilantro (or Coriander as it is known here) How spot on you are with the post about taking care of yourself. I retired 5 yrs ago but I have never been busier, minding my baby granddaughter 4 days a week, but still managing to get to the gym, going to meditation and doing so much walking! However I feel blessed that at 65 I am in better health now than I was 10 yrs ago when I worked in an office.
    And yes – a recipe book full of your salads would be brilliant!

    • So nice to read your comment this morning – thank you! And thank you for sharing about your personal “self care” … very inspiring and that is exactly how I picture myself when I have a granddaughter 🙂

  13. This is my kind of salad! This post is a great reminder of how to put ourselves first and take care of ourselves. Being busy Moms makes that hard sometimes!

  14. So much Delicious and healthy salad of lentil with carrot.I will tried that at this weekend.

  15. This is definitely a salad I need to try out, I love healthy vegetarian meals that I can quickly make for myself and my vegetarian family. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  16. Thanks for the recipe! It was very delicious.
    (btw I left out the oil and it still tasted amazing)

  17. Pingback: Five Days of Healthy Eating Recipes | Food Done Light

  18. Hi Aggie,

    This is such a simple yet filling salad! Thanks for the recipe!

    I’m a huge fan of salads too. I didn’t used to be since most of the places my family ate at when I was younger served boring salads- iceberg lettuce, shreds of carrot, tomato and liquid sugar on top! Then as I got older I would throw whatever veggies and protein I had in the fridge together for a meal which usually became some sort of salad, haha.

    A couple years ago I started collecting salad recipes from around the web, friends and family started coming to me for salad recipes, and a couple weeks ago I decided to put them on my blog so I could better organize them and share with anyone else who loves salad! I added this recipe to the blog and would like to add more. Please let me know if it’s alrgiht with you, especially since I’m using your image!

    Thanks again!
    Maria

  19. Woops, here’s the link: http://www.mariasalad.com/lentil-salad-recipe-with-carrots-and-cilantro-and-lemon/

  20. Sounds delish! I’ve never tried doing anything with lentil instead of throwing them in lentil soup.
    Love your blog and recipes. Are you interested in becoming our recipe partner?