Vegan

Sesame oil is a good source of vitamin E.

To prevent the lentils from becoming too soft as they cool, spread them on a baking sheet.

Cannellini are white Italian kidney beans. Try substituting cranberry, pinto, or other dried beans in this salad. To save time, use canned beans in place of dried.

Wheatberries are a nutty grain often used in salads and breads. Look for hard red winter wheatberries—summer wheatberries become too soft after they’re cooked.

Piquant jalapeño chiles complement the earthy flavor of black-eyed peas in this fiber-rich side salad; they also add crunch, along with the diced red onion.

Mâche, or lamb’s lettuce, is a tender, nutty green. If it’s unavailable, try watercress as a delicious substitute.

For a complete meal, serve this salad with pita bread, feta cheese, and hummus. If you are on a low-sodium diet, substitute a less salty cheese for the feta.

To pit the olives, place them on a cutting board, and press firmly with your thumb. The olives will split, and the pits can be easily removed.

You can intensify the garlic flavor by rubbing an additional clove on one side of the toasted bread before tearing it into chunks.