Description
A fresh and hearty salad made with French green lentils, crisp vegetables, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, it can be served cold or at room temperature. Optional additions include feta cheese, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):
For the Salad:
1 cup French green lentils (Lentilles du Puy)
3 cups water or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2–3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Rinse lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and remove bay leaf. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While lentils cook, dice onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Chop fresh parsley and crumble feta if using.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, vegetables, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare lentils and dressing a day in advance; combine with vegetables just before serving.
- Variations: Add roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Omit feta or replace with plant-based cheese.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Boiled / Mixed / Chilled
- Cuisine: French / Mediterranean