Lively Lentil Salad: A Crisp, Refreshing Summer Delight

Welcome to today’s culinary adventure where we will dive into creating a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion—our Lively Lentil Salad. This recipe combines fresh vegetables and hearty lentils, all tossed together with a zesty homemade dressing. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also incredibly colorful and pleasing to the palate. Let’s walk through how to prepare this delightful salad.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 cup French green (Le Puy) lentils, or regular green or brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 small English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and then chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped (red or orange bell pepper works too)
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion
• 6 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (or substitute with fresh parsley for a different twist)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

• Zest of one small lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (or substitute with pure maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt, more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, more to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Lentils:

• Before cooking, inspect lentils for any small rocks or debris and rinse them under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
• Combine the rinsed lentils and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer on low, covered, until the lentils are tender but still firm, about 15-25 minutes.
• Drain well and allow them to cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, chopped cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.
• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat all ingredients.
• Fold in the crumbled feta cheese last to maintain its texture.

4. Final Touches:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to enhance the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Lively Lentil Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The crisp texture of the vegetables paired with the creamy feta and tangy dressing makes this salad a refreshing addition to any meal, especially during the warmer months. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a side dish for your next barbecue, this salad is sure to impress! Enjoy the freshness and flavors, and happy cooking!