Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs

Lemony lentil and chickpea salad with radish and herbs - cookieandkate.com

Do you all watch “Scandal”? I rarely watch TV, but I found that show on Netflix the other day and I’m hooked. It’s dramatic, even soap-opera silly sometimes, but I can’t stop hitting play. I also can’t stop admiring the main character’s wardrobe. Ms. Olivia Pope always looks so perfect and polished. She makes me want to strut around in classy coats and elbow-length leather gloves. I don’t care if it’s seventy degrees outside! Where are my fancy cashmere coats? Where are my red-soled stilettos?

black lentils and radish

Sigh. Even if I could afford such gorgeous apparel, I’d twist my ankles in those four-inch Louboutins and drip ketchup down my white silk blouses. No doubt about it. Fortunately, this blogging gig doesn’t require a fancy wardrobe. I could be working in my pajamas for all you know. (Maybe I am! Ok, I am.)

We’ve just struck on the primary reason I love posting about food, rather than fashion or interior design or even travel—because I get to promote something that’s actually attainable. And good for you. You could stop at the grocery store on the way home and have this healthy salad for dinner tonight.

black lentils

I know I always say this, but this salad is definitely my new favorite. It’s bold and brightly flavored, similar to my Lebanese kidney bean salad. The radishes lend a lovely, spicy crunch and the mint and dill make the salad taste alive.

I’ve made this salad a few times now, with both freshly cooked lentils and Trader Joe’s steamed lentils. It’s great both ways, but I’d suggest using pre-steamed lentils if you’re in a hurry. It’s a prime candidate for potlucks and work lunches, as it packs well and keeps for a few days in the refrigerator. Dare I call it a new classic?

radish and mintmint, dill and lemonChickpea, radish, mint and dill salad - cookieandkate.comlentils, chickpeas and mintlemon dressingLentil, chickpea and radish salad recipe - cookieandkate.comLemony lentil and chickpea salad with radish and herbs recipe - cookieandkate.com

4.4 from 7 reviews
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Salad with Radish and Herbs
Recipe type: Salad
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4 to 6
A fresh and filling bean salad flavored with lemon and fresh mint and dill. Use steamed lentils and canned chickpeas for a meal ready in under 20 minutes. This salad keeps well for a few days in the fridge and packs great for lunch!
Lentils (cook your own, using the ingredients below, or use one 17-ounce package of steamed French lentils instead)
  • 2 cups dried black beluga lentils or French green lentils
  • 2 large garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon dressing
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons’ worth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
  • ¼ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (14 ounce) can cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 big bunch of radishes, sliced thin and roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup packed fresh, leafy herbs, chopped (combination of mint and dill recommended)
  • Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese, handful of fresh leafy greens
  1. To cook the lentils: Pick over the lentils to remove any bits of debris. Rinse the lentils under running water in a mesh colander. In a medium pot, combine the lentils, halved garlic cloves, olive oil and 4 cups water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the lentils are cooked through and tender, which will take somewhere between 20 to 35 minutes. Drain the lentils and discard the garlic cloves.
  2. To make the dressing: Whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. If you're using pre-steamed lentils instead of cooking your own, add an extra clove of minced garlic and an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the lentils, chickpeas, chopped radishes and herbs. Drizzle in the dressing and toss to combine. Serve with avocado, crumbled cheese or fresh greens if you'd like.


  1. says

    This is one of my favurite salads ever. I used to work in a cafe that featured this salad and it was my staple lunch, every day, all week.

    I must re-create! Thank you for the recipe it looks delicious

  2. says

    I wish I could pull off some of Olivia’s outfits too! Such a classy lady. I know that if I wore some of those coats, it would look like some weird poncho on me, not sure if it would have the same lovely effect ;)

  3. Laura says


    I just wanted to say a huge thank you. I have just broken up with my long-term boyfriend and feeling pretty negative about life, dreading being on my own each night after work. Then I gave myself a bit of a shake and thought that if I was going to be on my own, the way I should look at it is to treat and love myself the way somebody else would. Part of this was starting to think about healthy eating – before I’d eat the same carby thing every night, having no energy and no get-up-and-go. I came across your blog randomly when searching for a cookie recipe (!) and it has saved me from wallowing and inspired me to look after myself through the way I eat; it’s made me laugh and sympathise and root for you; and it’s given me a new passion, which is cooking healthily. I can’t wait to get home now after work and try your latest recipe, and invite friends over to enjoy them too. Keep the ideas coming, your blog means so much more than you think.

    Laura x

    • says

      Laura, your comment gave me goosebumps. Thank you. I’m so glad you found my little blog and that you are taking good care of yourself. I endured a really tough breakup last year so I can totally relate to how you are feeling now. I hope you and your friends share some laughs over this salad. Big hugs to you!

    • Marcia says

      This actually brought tears to my eyes, Laura. Very heartfelt and lovely, and what a tribute to the inspiration of this blog (which is why I read it too). With your spirit and wisdom, you’re going to get through this tough time just fine. You’re an inspiration yourself. You go, girl!

      • Laura says

        Thank you Kate and Marcia. Your replies mean a lot :) Lots more laughs and salads and good things to come, I hope!

  4. says

    I would never have thought to combine lentils and chickpeas, but it totally makes sense – now that you mention it. I might not be able to resist adding the optional feta, though!
    P.S. Cookie looks so adorable in your piccie above … again!

  5. says

    This salad sounds like the perfect spring lunch! I would serve a big scoop over a plate of shredded lettuce or spinach and be super happy. :) I bet it would be excellent for work lunches too.

  6. says

    I got totally hooked on watching Scandal through Netflix a few months ago, but I’m a major wimp and had to stop somewhere in the second season because I started having nightmares, haha. I love any salad with beans, crunchy vegetables, and a lemon dressing! I also love what you said about the attainability of food blogs over fashion and travel blogs, so true! I need this salad soon :)

  7. says

    I don’t watch a whole lot of TV aside from when I’m running at the gym on the treadmill, but that’s probably because my spare time is spent drooling over delicious looking salads like this one! (Louboutins vs a Vitamix and any other fancy kitchen gadgets? Pretty sure I’d always pick the latter!) I’ve been loving radishes lately, and I love how you’ve paired them with such simple, wholesome ingredients here. Can’t wait to give this a try!

  8. Marcia says

    Another healthy yet decadent recipe… your pictures of this salad sell it. I have a friend coming to stay this weekend who’s extremely health-conscious and loves lentils, so I’ve just added this to the menu! I love the idea of the lemon vinaigrette. Love the picture of Cookie too. Love all of it! Thanks for the inspiration. P.S. Just added Scandal to my Netflix queue :-)

    • says

      Thank you, Marcia! I hope you both love the salad. I was disappointed by season two (so soap opera-y!) but the cliffhangers at the ends of the episodes kept me coming back for more.

  9. penny mittal says

    I was watching scandal last night – i may have to pair my next session with this delicious protein rich salad! Thanks again for the awesome recipes! Do you have any with halloumi cheese?

    • says

      Hi Penny! No, I’m sorry, I haven’t tried halloumi cheese yet. I’ve been worried that even if I can find it, others might have a hard time finding it… but I would sure like to try it!

  10. says

    Yes! This is why I love blogging about food too (although I’m starting to consider a DIY/reno blog for real). It’s an easy way to change your life, whether big or small in terms of impact. It’s vital and elemental to our existence, but it’s also so incredibly everyday. Just the best.

    Loving this spring-y simple salad and waving hello from one pyjama-clad blogger to another :) xo

  11. Leanne says

    I wasn’t a big fan of this one. A little on the bland side for me. The addition of feta helped things a little bit, but overall I felt it was rather time-intensive for a dish that lacked a lot of flavor. Just my opinion, though! :)

    • says

      Leanne, I’m bummed that you didn’t love the salad. I don’t find the salad bland at all, as long as there are enough radishes in there to keep the texture interesting. More lemon and herbs definitely would have kicked up the flavor a notch.

  12. says

    I own ONE white skirt. I love it in a way that’s probably unhealthy, but it terrifies me every time I put it on. Girl with 27-million napkins in her lap and a bib? That’s me! (PS. I want to cuddle every pic of Cookie you post!)

    • says

      Haha! I bought a pair of white jeans late last summer knowing that I would stain them, but they were on sale for like 8 dollars. Cookie says hi!

  13. says

    I’ve been trying to resist Scandal until all my other shows finish for the season. then, it’s ON. ANd I fully plan on watching it in my PJs with a bowl of this salad for hugging. I mean, eating.

    • says

      The black lentils are pretty great. I stock up on them whenever I find them. Whole Foods and Natural Grocer’s usually have them, I think, but I know not everyone lives near a big health food store.

  14. says

    This looks superb! I love how versatile salads like this are – you can eat them for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day, hot, cold, etc. Can’t wait to try this – I love lentils!

  15. says

    I would have a huge bowl of this salad, please, thank you! This one is just perfect. I love Beluga lentils, radishes, chickpeas and lemony mustardy dressings. Yum! :-)

  16. Morgan P. Hagemeyer says

    Another winner! I can’t wait for lunch tomorrow. I used parsley and mint and I’m planning on adding goat cheese tomorrow and maybe a hard boiled egg on Tuesday.

  17. says

    I need to watch Scandal! I keep forgetting…isn’t that awful? Old age. This is such a beautiful salad. A friend of mine and I were JUST saying yesterday how much we love salads like this. Full of great grains, beans, veggies and topped with a great dressing…they just become a meal you can eat for lunch or dinner. Pinning right now!

    • says

      Oh, trust me, Scandal will just eat up your valuable time. I hope you get a chance to make this salad soon! Hearty salads are my favorite meal.

  18. Sarah says

    This was so good! I didn’t have garbanzos so I used red beans and a handful of herbs I had on hand… delicious!

  19. says

    I watch very little TV, mostly rented movies with my husband or occasionally a series on DVD. I feel like I’m totally out of the loop with many shows at the moment. All those people talking about Downton Abbey? What is that??! I have no idea about Scandal either… is it worth watching? As for this gorgeous salad, oh man. On my to-make list for this week, it’s beautiful! x

    • says

      I really don’t watch much tv, either, but I can tell you that Downton Abbey is a much better show than Scandal! Both get more soap opera-y as the seasons go on. Hope you get a chance to try this salad soon!

  20. Krystal says

    Hi again! Thanks so much for this one! I made it for my husband and I and we loved it so much we made it for a recent housewarming and everyone went wild. The second time I made it I had a guest who is allergic to legumes, so I used cous cous, and arugula instead of the lentils and chickpeas. I was initially thinking I would use barley but the store was out at the time. It came out delicious, despite my pretty big changes. I made 1.5x the amount of dressing to prevent the cous cous from getting sticky. Sent this one to a few guests who had requested a copy! Thanks!

  21. Sara says

    I’m at work right now eating this delicious salad! I took your advice and got the ready to go lentils from TJ’s and was able to put this together this morning in about 10 minutes. I didn’t measure the herbs, I just added the entire packet from the grocery so it might have been more than called for, but its not overpowering. Mint really makes the salad, its sooooo good! Thank you for all your delicious, wholesome recipes – I especially love all the salads. I’m hoping to welcome the start of summer by trying out some of those amazing drink recipes this weekend!

  22. Eileen says

    This sounds great! I might make this for the 4th of July tomorrow. How do you think Thyme would be in it? I love fresh Thyme with any type of bean, but especially lentils, so French! Thanks so much!

  23. Sarah says

    I LOVE this salad. I’ve been making it with dill only and serving with arugula. I make a batch and take to work for lunch. Got some family hooked on it too. It’s so fresh!

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