This simple lentil salad is hearty enough for lunch but light enough to serve alongside dinner. Fresh basil, tomatoes and a tangy balsamic dressing make earthy French lentils shine.
Ingredients
● 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
● 3 cups water or vegetable broth
● 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
● 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
● ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
● 3 tablespoons olive oil
● 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
● 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
● 1 small garlic clove, minced
● ½ teaspoon salt
● Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
● Combine the lentils and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain well.
● Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.
● While the lentils are still warm, toss them with the dressing and chopped spinach. The warmth will soften the spinach slightly and help the lentils absorb the flavor.
● Let the salad cool for about 10 minutes, then fold in the tomatoes and basil. Taste and add more salt, pepper or balsamic vinegar as needed.
Noshing Notes
Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled. It gets even better after an hour in the refrigerator, an unusually cooperative salad!
Pairs Well With
Serve with grilled chicken or fish, crusty bread, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of goat cheese or feta makes it a satisfying meal on its own.
Waste Not Want Not
Save leftover lentils for soups, grain bowls or veggie burgers. Wilt any extra greens into eggs or pasta, and blend leftover basil with olive oil for a quick pesto-style sauce. Overripe tomatoes can be roasted or stirred into soup.
Cybele is a writer and editor with more than 16 years in the publishing industry. An avid reader, you can usually find her with the latest new book release from the local library. She currently resides on a farm in Hardwick with her husband and four children. In her spare time, she writes historical fiction specific to New Jersey.
- Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/cybele-tamulonis-contributing-writer/
- Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/cybele-tamulonis-contributing-writer/
- Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/cybele-tamulonis-contributing-writer/
- Cybele Tamulonis, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/cybele-tamulonis-contributing-writer/
