Vegan Red Lentil Dal

Last Updated on January 15, 2026 by Christin Gillespie

Easy to make and created with healthy ingredients, this Vegan Red Lentil Dal is the best recipe when you’re in the mood for some Indian-inspired flavors. It’s a nourishing red lentil dal recipe made with creamy coconut milk, fresh baby spinach, and aromatic spices. The combination is simple, but every bite will leave you wanting more!

Cozy, creamy, and incomparable to any other, this Vegan Red Lentil Dal is truly the best Indian-inspired recipe. I know that’s a big claim, but after one bite of this comforting bowl, you’ll see why. Also, if you’ve never made red lentil dal, I break it down to show you how to make it perfectly every time, and it’s not complicated.

What makes this red lentil dal top-notch is that it requires healthy ingredients like coconut milk, spinach, and a few spices that simmer together in a pot for an easy recipe.

Feel free to spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes, serve over cauliflower rice, or save for cozy leftovers. For years this has been a staple in my kitchen, and I have a great feeling that it will be a go-to in your household as well.

Why You Need This Healthy Red Lentil Dal Recipe

• Simple and So Delish: One pot and a handful of healthy ingredients is what it takes to make the best red lentil dal recipe.
• Full of Flavor: Anything but bland, as every bite of this red lentil dal is packed with Indian spice.
• Meal Prep Approved: This red lentil dal with coconut milk and spinach recipe is that it stores and reheats beautifully. Some may say it’s even better the next day. You know what that means—hello cozy leftovers!

Ingredients for the Best Red Lentil Dal

• Organic Red Lentils: High in protein, full of fiber, and packed with minerals, the red lentils are a staple. For best results, I do not recommend using any other lentil color, as the flavor will be much different.
• Organic Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk: With the addition of coconut milk, it makes the red lentil dal creamy and rich without any dairy. My favorite brand is Native Forest, as their coconut milk is organic and contains no guar gums.
• Organic Spices: Curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Organic Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the last minute for a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.

How to Make Red Lentil Dal

1. Cook the Lentils. Add the rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, and spring water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the lentils are cooked.
2. Add the Spices. Once the lentils are soft, sprinkle in the spices and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Spinach. Lastly, stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Serve. Divide between bowls with servings of choice and enjoy!

Healthy Dal Recipe Success Tips

• Organic Red Lentils: For optimal flavor, don’t forget to rinse the red lentils prior to adding them to the pot, as this will remove any bitterness.
• Organic Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk: The best brand is from Native Forest, as their coconut milk is free from guar gums. This ensures that the red lentil dal with coconut milk is creamy and healthy.
• Make It Spicy: To make it spicy, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
• Organic Servings: Enjoy this red lentil dal with spinach over a bed of cooked cauliflower rice, quinoa, or garnish with fresh cilantro.

Storing and Reheating Easy Red Lentil Dal

• Storing: Transfer the cooled red lentil dal with coconut milk and spinach to a glass storage container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm your portion on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen it and restore its creamy texture.

More Vegan Recipes to Make Next

• Sweet Potato, Cauliflower, & Red Lentil Curry
• Cheesy Vegan Portobello Mushroom and Black Bean Fajita Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
• Vegan Baked Potato Soup
• Vegan Chili Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you made this Vegan Red Lentil Dal recipe, I’d be so grateful if you would leave a rating and review below. Your feedback always makes my day, and it helps others discover the blog too. Be sure to follow on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.

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