Nutty Lentil-Walnut Salad
Description: This delightful Lentil-Walnut Salad brings together a wholesome combination of tender lentils, crunchy walnuts, and fresh green onions. Infused with the subtle flavors of thyme and a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is not only nutritious but also a treat for your taste buds. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a perfect choice for a light meal or a hearty side dish. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Enjoy this easy, affordable, and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Recipe Category: Lentil
Keywords: Beans, Vegan, < 60 Mins, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¾ cup walnut halves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Lentils: Start by rinsing the dried lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the lentils with the chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable (or chicken) broth, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Check the lentils periodically to ensure they don’t become mushy. Once cooked, drain the lentils well.
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Prepare the Dressing: While the lentils are cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, and walnut oil. Stir in the chopped green onions and season the mixture with salt and a generous amount of black pepper. This will be your dressing.
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Combine and Marinate: As soon as the lentils are drained, pour the hot lentils into the bowl with the prepared dressing. It’s important to do this while the lentils are still warm so that they absorb the flavors of the dressing. Toss the lentils and dressing thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
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Finish and Serve: Just before serving, add the walnut halves to the salad and gently mix them in. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash more white wine vinegar or walnut oil if desired. Garnish with fresh flat-leaf parsley and a bit more black pepper if you like.
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 449.9
- Fat: 28.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 7.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.8g
- Fiber: 17.1g
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Protein: 16.4g
Enjoy this flavorful Lentil-Walnut Salad as a healthy and satisfying addition to your meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings. 😊🥗🌰
