If there’s a can of lentils in your pantry, you’re already halfway to something delicious. Canned lentils are a
While not every recipe in this roundup was originally written for canned lentils, each one is easy to adapt. Just skip the dried lentil cooking step and swap in canned for a faster, equally tasty meal.
We’ve gathered recipes from around the vegetarian and vegan world—from hearty stews to quick snacks—so you can find the perfect meal for any occasion or season. If you’re new to cooking with lentils, you might enjoy our guide, What Are Lentils? Simple Tips and Recipes.
Then, come back here for 50 ideas that prove canned lentils are anything but boring.
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Quick and Cozy Soups and Stews
- Lentil Vegetable Soup A classic, hearty bowl loaded with olive oil, kale, and canned diced tomatoes. Get the recipe →
- Rustic Lentil Stew with Balsamic and Olives Sweet caramelized onions meet tangy balsamic in this rustic, French-inspired stew. Get the recipe →
- Sri Lankan Red Lentil Curry Creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices turn canned lentils into a comforting curry. Get the recipe →
- Quick & Easy Red Lentil Dahl Warming and aromatic, this dahl is perfect with naan or rice. Get the recipe →
- Traditional Lentejas (Spanish Lentil Stew) Earthy French lentils simmered with peppers, paprika, and olive oil for a small-plate favorite. Get the recipe →
- Nutricious Soup with Black Lentils, Pumpkin, Carrot and Ginger Deep, earthy lentils paired with sweet pumpkin purée for a fall-ready bowl. Get the recipe →
Flavor-Packed Mains
- Lentil Sloppy Joes (Stove or Slow Cooker) A plant-based twist on a comfort food favorite, these sloppy Joes are saucy, savory, and family-approved. Get the recipe →
- Easy French Green Lentil Bolognese Rich tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs make this hearty bolognese perfect over pasta or spaghetti squash. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes A cozy casserole layered with lentil filling and potatoes mashed with vegan cheese. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Fall Harvest Buddha Bowl Packed with color and texture, these bowls are perfect for meal prep. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Tacos Taco night goes plant-based with spiced lentils, peppers, and your favorite toppings. Get the recipe →
- Skillet Potato Recipe with Lentils and Carrots A humble, hearty dish that’s full of rustic flavor. Get the recipe →
Light and Fresh Salads
- Vegan Lentil Salad with Roasted Red Peppers A colorful salad with sweet roasted peppers and a tangy dressing. Get the recipe →
- Mediterranean Lentil Salad Bright flavors from fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon make this salad shine. Get the recipe →
- Warm French Lentil Salad A Parisian café classic served warm for ultimate comfort. Get the recipe →
- French Lentil Salad with Cucumber, Bell Pepper, and Fresh Herbs Protein-packed and crisp, with a refreshing lemony kick. Get the recipe →
- Lentil and Quinoa Salad A light yet filling salad, perfect for warm-weather picnics. Get the recipe →
- Classic French Lentil Salad Sweet carrots and shallots pair beautifully with nutty lentils and an herbed honey dijon dressing. Get the recipe →
- Red Lentil Hummus
A creamy twist on classic hummus using a blend of lentils and chickpeas. Get the recipe → - Crispy Roasted Lentils Perfectly seasoned and roasted until crunchy; great for sprinkling on salads or eating by the handful. Get the recipe →
- Lentil-Stuffed Bell Peppers Colorful peppers filled with a savory lentil mixture and baked until tender. Get the recipe →
- Vegan Mediterranean Lentil Dip Smooth, savory, and perfect for pairing with crudités or crackers. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Croquettes with Yogurt Sauce Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and served with a tangy sauce. Get the recipe →
- Classic Lentil Burgers Protein-rich patties that grill or pan-fry beautifully. Get the recipe →
International Inspiration
- Sri Lankan Red Lentil Dal Fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk make this a comforting South Asian classic. Get the recipe →
- Roasted Eggplant With Tahini, Pine
Nuts , and Lentils Stewed lentils, roasted eggplant, and a creamy tahini sauce. Get the recipe → - Lentil Taco “Meat” Lentil-mushroom-walnut taco filling Get the recipe →
- French Lentil Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers Puy lentils, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, with a tangy herbed red wine vinegar/dijon dressing. Get the recipe →
- Red Lentil Curry Curry that’s flavorful and filling. Get the recipe →
- Saucy Moroccan-Spiced Lentils Green lentils with warm Moroccan spices, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs. Get the recipe →
Pantry Power Meals
- Hearty Vegan Lentil Stew A filling, protein-packed stew that comes together quickly with lentils, root vegetables, and a red wine sauce. Get the recipe →
- Simple Vegan Balsamic Lentil Stew A simple, budget-friendly stew that’s full of flavor. Get the recipe →
- Easy Red Lentil Curry (Sri Lankan Dhal Curry) Lentil curry brimming with traditional Indian flavors. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Bolognese A silky, savory sauce perfect for tossing with pasta. Get the recipe →
- Quinoa Lentil Salad Recipe Fresh, tangy, and protein-rich, ideal for lunches. Get the recipe →
- Favorite Lentil Soup: One-Pot, Vegan, Completely Delicious Comfort food magic made entirely from what’s in your cupboards. Get the recipe →
Creative Extras
- The Best Vegan Lentil Bolognese Sauce Savory lentil-based sauce perfect for pairing with pasta. Get the recipe →
- Sweet Potato and Lentil Hash A hearty morning meal packed with protein and veggies. Get the recipe →
- Vegan Stuffed Peppers Fill bell peppers with this lentil and rice filling , top with vegan cheese, and bake. Get the recipe →
- Mediterranean Lentil Veggie Wraps Veggie packed wraps with lemon tahini sauce and hummus. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Bowls Grain-free and gluten-free, but definitely not short on taste. Get the recipe →
- Grape Leaves Stuffed with Lentils and Rice A Mediterranean favorite with a hearty twist. Get the recipe →
- Black Lentil Sweet Potato Soup A cozy, slightly sweet soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Get the recipe →
- Healthy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms Tender mushrooms packed with a savory lentil filling. Get the recipe →
- Spicy Red Lentil Curry A creamy curry bursting with greens and flavor. Get the recipe →
- Ultimate Fully Loaded Vegan Nachos with Lentils A fun, shareable snack loaded with seasoned lentils and melty vegan cheese. Get the recipe →
- Lentil Baked Ziti Comfort food baked to perfection. Get the recipe →
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing A satisfying salad with creamy, nutty dressing. Get the recipe →
- Quick Smoky Red Lentil Stew A nourishing, herb-forward soup with leafy greens. Get the recipe →
- Easy Lentil Quesadillas Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Get the recipe →
From cozy soups to fresh salads, from Latin-inspired bowls to crispy snacks, canned lentils truly can do it all. They’re affordable, shelf-stable, and packed with
If you’re just starting your lentil journey or want to brush up on the basics, don’t forget to check out, What Are Lentils? Simple Tips and Recipes.
We’d love to know how you use canned lentils in your kitchen! Share your favorite ideas in our warm and welcoming Facebook community, the Peas and Carrots Society. It’s a great place to swap recipes, get cooking tips, and find encouragement from fellow veg-curious friends.
Happy cooking, and remember—there’s no such thing as “just a can of lentils” when you’ve got 50 delicious ideas waiting for you!
Looking for even more simple, healthy meal ideas? Check out Buddha Bowls: The Vegetarian Zen Way! In this ebook, you’ll learn the basics of building single-bowl meals and get some of our favorite recipes.
In this eBook, you will learn:
- What Buddha bowls are and why they are the PERFECT meal
- How to create your own awesome combinations based on your needs and specific tastes
- Some of our favorite ingredient combinations (recipes) plus ideas for sauces and dressings
Canned Lentils FAQ
Are canned lentils healthy?
Yes! Canned lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and folate. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties when possible.
Do you need to rinse canned lentils?
It’s a good idea. Rinsing removes excess sodium and any canning liquid, which can slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Can you swap canned lentils for dried lentils in recipes?
Yes, but adjust cooking times. Canned lentils are already cooked, so add them toward the end of the recipe to prevent mushiness.
What’s the difference between green, brown, red, and French lentils?
Green/Brown: Versatile, hold shape well, mild flavor.
Red/Yellow: Cook quickly, break down into a soft texture; perfect for soups and curries.
French (Puy) or Beluga: Firm texture, earthy flavor, great in salads.
How long do canned lentils last after opening?
Once opened, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
