Kale Apple Lentil Salad

A crunchy kale apple lentil salad that supports gentle digestion

High Fiber Fiber Rich Plant Based
90%

Match for Gut Health

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and the data in the InnerBuddies database showing the effect of these ingredients on gut bacteria and functions.

Coming soon: personalization based on your profile and/or your gut microbiome test results.

Recipe description

This Kale Apple Lentil Salad brings together fiber-rich kale, hearty lentils, and crisp apple for a satisfying, gut-friendly meal. The mix delivers a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber, plus polyphenols from the apple, which can support a diverse gut microbiome as part of a balanced eating habit. Simple to customize and easy to prep, it works well for weekday lunches or dinners and pairs with light dressings to keep the flavors fresh and approachable.

Kale Apple Lentil Salad
Prep 15 min Cook 25 min Easy

Why this recipe fits you

  • High-fiber combination of lentils, kale, and apple supports digestive health.
  • Colorful plant foods promote dietary diversity and polyphenol intake.
  • Lean plant-based protein from lentils helps balance meals with fiber for satiety.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
88
🍇 Polyphenol density
80
🧬 Diversity support
72
🛡️ Inflammation support
78
🫧 Fermentation support
0
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
78

Ingredients

2 servings
kale 100 gram
apple 1 piece
lentils 50 gram
olive oil 2 tablespoon
lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Drop, salt 1 teaspoon
Drop, salt
pepper 1 teaspoon

Instructions

1

Cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender.

2

Meanwhile, wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.

3

Core and slice the apple into thin pieces.

4

In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, kale, and apple.

5

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

6

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7

Toss gently to combine all ingredients.

8

Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrition

420 kcal Calories
20 g Protein
72 g Carbohydrates
22 g Fiber
12 g Sugar
6 g Fat
1 g Saturated fat
0.8 g Salt

FAQ

What are the core ingredients and their benefits?
Kale, lentils, and apple provide fiber, plant protein, and polyphenols that support gut health.
Is this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, it’s plant-based. If a dressing contains dairy, adjust accordingly.
How should I prep the kale for the salad?
Rinse it, remove tough stems, tear or chop the leaves, and massage with a little oil or lemon juice to soften.
Can I make this ahead and keep it fresh?
Yes—store in a sealed container in the fridge; add apples closer to serving to prevent browning; keep the dressing separate.
How long does it take to prepare?
It’s quick; if using dried lentils you’ll need to cook them, otherwise canned lentils let you assemble in about 15–20 minutes.
What dressings pair well with this salad?
Light vinaigrettes or citrus dressings; avoid heavy creamed dressings.
Can I customize with other ingredients?
Yes—add nuts or seeds, extra vegetables, or cheese if you like; keep flavor balances in mind.
Is it gluten-free?
The salad is naturally gluten-free; just check dressings or add-ins for gluten-containing ingredients.
How can I keep apples from browning?
Toss with lemon juice or add apples just before serving.
How can I keep this gut-friendly if I have digestive sensitivity?
Start with smaller portions and increase fiber gradually; rinse lentils well; consider soaking or sprouting lentils to reduce gas.