Southwestern Lentil Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Potluck Favorite
This Southwestern Lentil Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying lunch. Inspired by a potluck dish brought by a colleague, this recipe has quickly become a personal favorite for its delicious taste and wholesome ingredients. With its mix of lentils, black beans, and fresh vegetables, it’s not only refreshing but also packed with protein and fiber. The tangy and zesty dressing ties everything together, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (for chilling)
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups black beans (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups lentils (cooked and drained)
- 1 cup whole kernel corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, to taste)
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black beans, lentils, whole kernel corn, red onion, green pepper, fresh cilantro, and parsley. Gently stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
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Prepare Dressing: In a jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid, add the cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well mixed and emulsified.
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Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable and bean mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
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Serve: For an added touch, serve the Southwestern Lentil Salad on a bed of mixed salad greens. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh, crisp element to each serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 472.1
- Fat: 28.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 126 mg
- Carbohydrates: 42.3 grams
- Fiber: 13.9 grams
- Sugar: 3.5 grams
- Protein: 14.9 grams
This Southwestern Lentil Salad is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, healthy meal. With its blend of black beans, lentils, and crisp vegetables, it’s not only satisfying but also incredibly nutritious. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Bon appétit! 🌟🥗
