Lentil, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful dish that offers a refreshing twist on traditional salads, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer potluck, attending a cookout, or simply craving a light and flavorful meal. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this salad is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Cooking Time: PT25M
Preparation Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Description: This salad is a nice change of pace from typical mayo-laden salads, making it ideal for year-round enjoyment. It’s especially well-suited for summer gatherings thanks to its light and refreshing ingredients. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations by simply adjusting the spices, ensuring that you can create a new and exciting dish every time you make it. Whether you serve it as a main meal or a side dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Lentil, Beans, Vegetable, Potluck, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy
Aggregated Rating: 5
Review Count: 10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 248.2
- Fat Content: 18.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 13.1mg
- Sodium Content: 140.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 12.2g
- Fiber Content: 4.1g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 10g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/3 cups cucumbers, diced
- 2/3 cup plum tomatoes, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Goat cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the lentils in a medium pot of boiling salted water until they are just tender, which should take about 25 minutes. Once cooked, drain the lentils well and set them aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, green onion, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked lentils to the dressing and allow them to stand until they have cooled to room temperature.
- Once the lentils have cooled, add the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh dill, dried dill, fresh parsley, dried parsley, and minced garlic to the lentil mixture.
- Season the salad again with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, crumble the goat cheese over the salad and gently mix it in to combine.
- If using lightly-toasted nuts, sprinkle them over the salad and gently mix them in, reserving 2 tablespoons to garnish on the top for added texture and flavor.
This Lentil, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its nutritious ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish or serve it as a side alongside your favorite grilled meats or seafood for a complete and satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavorful and refreshing salad creation!
