Lentil Salad

Lentil salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Lentils are a type of legume that are packed with nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, and folate. When combined with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, lentils make a nutritious and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Here’s how to make a basic lentil salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils in cold water and remove any debris or stones.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, red onion, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss to coat.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until chilled.
7. Serve the lentil salad cold, garnished with additional parsley or fresh herbs if desired.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a different flavor.
• Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado for a creamy and satisfying addition.

Lentil salad can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, and is perfect for meal prep or potlucks. It is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be customized to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.