Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the heart of France with our delightful French lentil salad. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a symphony of textures and a burst of freshness, showcasing the finest ingredients that French cuisine has to offer. Lentils, the humble yet versatile legume, take center stage in this salad, offering a hearty and protein-packed base. They are carefully cooked to retain their tender bite and delicate flavor, creating a satisfying and wholesome foundation for the salad.
Complementing the lentils is an array of crisp and colorful vegetables, each adding its unique character to the dish. Finely diced carrots provide a sweet and earthy crunch, while celery contributes a refreshing and herbaceous flavor. Red onion adds a touch of sharpness and a pop of color, while chopped parsley brings a burst of vibrancy and freshness. These vegetables are tossed together in a zesty dressing made with a blend of olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and a hint of honey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalizes the palate.
For a touch of indulgence and a hint of smokiness, crispy bacon bits are sprinkled atop the salad, adding a delightful savory element. Toasted walnuts add a nutty crunch and a touch of richness, while crumbled goat cheese provides a creamy and tangy contrast. A sprinkling of chopped chives adds a final touch of elegance and a subtle oniony flavor, completing this culinary masterpiece. This French lentil salad is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you to the charming streets of Paris with every bite.
FRENCH LENTIL SALAD
Lentils are simmered with aromatics until tender and flavorful, then tossed with toasted almonds, shredded red cabbage, fresh herbs, and a lively lemon dressing in this make-ahead salad.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 6 minutes. Add lentils and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining oil, lemon juice, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt. Add lentils, almonds (if using), cabbage, and herbs and toss to combine. Lentil salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
FRENCH PUY LENTIL SALAD
Have you tried Puy lentils yet? These are small, green lentils from France and have a slight peppery flavor and a firm, yet tender, texture. They hold their shape well and are ideal for a salad, but they do take longer to cook than most other lentils. They do not, however, need pre-soaking. In this salad the mint and lemon juice add a lively, fresh taste, while the balsamic vinegar adds a mellow sweetness.
Provided by Daydream
Categories Lentil
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Peel the half-onion and stud with the cloves.
- Combine onion, lentils, lemon zest, garlic, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon cumin and water in a medium-sized pan.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed, taking care not to burn- you can add a little more water if needed, but try not to cook much more than 30 minutes as they should be'al dente'.
- Reserve the garlic and chop finely, but discard the onion, lemon zest and bay leaf.
- In a suitable container, whisk together the vinegar, oil, lemon juice, remaining cumin and reserved garlic, to make the dressing.
- Stir the dressing through the lentils with the mint and chopped green onions, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Allow to stand for 30 minutes so that the flavors absorb.
- Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 199.3, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 1.5, Sodium 14.4, Carbohydrate 19.8, Fiber 6.6, Sugar 3.5, Protein 7.4
FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
Great side dish. French lentils (also called puy lentils) have a wonderful earthy flavor. You can't substitute regular green/brown lentils. They are expensive but usually affordable at your local food co-op. Goat cheese has a creamier texture than feta. I like to add grape tomatoes.
Provided by DEBMCE4
Categories Salad Beans Lentil Salad Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine sherry vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and minced garlic in a jar with a lid and shake until blended. Set aside.
- Place lentils, chicken broth, water, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are just tender to the bite, about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. Remove from heat, drain, and cool for at least 30 minutes. Transfer cooled lentils to a mixing bowl.
- Stir in the dressing, chives, and cilantro; mix well. If you're serving the salad immediately, add the goat cheese and tomatoes. If you're preparing the recipe ahead of time, refrigerate the salad and add the goat cheese and tomatoes just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.9 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 9.3 g, Protein 14.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 533.2 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ROASTED RADISHES
Spicy radishes are mellowed by roasting, and they keep their vibrant color and become juicy bites in this lentil and arugula salad. A shallot vinaigrette further accentuates their flavor and gives an extra boost of deliciousness to the lentils.
Provided by Vallery Lomas
Categories main-dish
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the radishes with 2 tablespoons of the oil on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown and just tender, 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
- Whisk the shallot, garlic, thyme leaves, Dijon mustard and vinegar together in a small bowl. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the 1/3 cup of oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Put the roasted radishes, cooked lentils, almonds and dressing in a large bowl and toss to combine. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator and up to overnight.
- Before serving, toss the lentil mixture with the baby arugula. Serve at room temperature topped with the lemon zest and crumbled goat cheese.
WARM FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH BACON & HERBS RECIPE - (4.4/5)
Provided by PineyCook
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Wash and rinse the lentils. Put in a small saucepan and cover with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cook until just tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Add extra water while cooking if the liquid gets low. Drain the lentils and return them to the pot. Stir in the salt. Meanwhile, while the lentils are cooking, cook the bacon in a heavy pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain most of the fat out of the pan, then add the shallots, garlic, rosemary, and sage, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and the shallots are tender but not soft. Remove from the heat. Whisk the olive oil, mustard, and balsamic vinegar together until thick. Toss with the warm, drained lentils, then stir in the bacon and shallot mixture. Stir in the chopped capers and parsley. Taste and season with additional salt, if needed, and a generous quantity of black pepper. Serve warm. This keeps for 5 days in the refrigerator and is also good eaten cold.
FRENCH LENTIL, PROSCIUTTO, AND PEPPER SALAD
Provided by Christine Hanna
Categories Salad Herb Appetizer Side Lunch Ham Legume Lentil Bell Pepper Root Vegetable Carrot Winter Prosciutto Parsley Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Serves 6 to 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a medium sauté pan or frying pan, heat the 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the prosciutto and sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and bell pepper/capsicum and sauté for 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with at least 4 cups/960 ml salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the lentils are just tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the prosciutto mixture, along with the parsley and thyme; toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard. Gradually whisk in the 1/3 cup/75 ml olive oil until emulsified. Add the salt and pepper. Toss the lentil salad with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH FETA AND MINT
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Rinse the lentils with water in a colander and look over carefully, removing any tiny stones or debris. Put in a medium pot with the garlic and bay leaf and cover by 2 to 3 inches with water. Bring to a boil. Once water boils, drop the heat until it simmers. Simmer until the lentils are just tender, but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
- While the lentils cook, in a medium bowl, make a dressing by whisking together the shallot, mustard, salt, vinegar, oil, several cracks of black pepper, and the optional sumac
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain in a colander and add to the bowl with the dressing. Mix well. Add the fennel, mint, and feta and mix gently. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm or cold.
FRENCH LENTIL SALAD
Steps:
- Rinse and pick over lentils to remove any small pebbles, and then soak in water for 24 hours. Rinse and drain. Place lentils in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them generously (~6 cups). Bring to a boil, then lower the head and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until tender. Drain well and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, juices, cumin, celery salt, curry powder, coriander, cayenne, shallots, garlic, thyme, and zest. Add the lentils, currants, fennel, celery, parsley, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Serve warm or chilled. This can be made one day in advance.
SMOKED TROUT WITH FRENCH LENTIL SALAD
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- TO MAKE THE MARINADE/DRESSING: In a medium bowl whisk together the marinade/dressing ingredients. Place the trout in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in all but 2 tablespoons of the marinade/dressing (reserve the 2 tablespoons in the bowl). Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. TO MAKE THE SALAD: Rinse the lentils under cold running water, then put them in a small saucepan with 2 cups water and the salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain and add the lentils to the reserved marinade/dressing. Add the remaining salad ingredients. Stir and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Follow the grill's instructions for using wood chips. Remove the trout from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill the trout over Indirect Medium heat until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Do not turn. Remove from the grill. Cut through the skin and flesh along the backbone and carefully peel off the skin on both sides. Use the knife blade to slide the flesh away from the backbone, leaving the rib bones behind. Remove any bones sticking to the flesh. Season with salt, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve warm or at room temperature with the salad.From Weber's Big Book of Grilling. Copyright © 2001 Weber-Stephen Products Co. All rights reserved. First published by Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco, California.
Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves
Tips:
- Utilize Dried Lentils: Using dried lentils is cost-effective and allows for customization of flavor and texture. Remember to rinse and sort the lentils before cooking.
- Perfect Lentil Cooking: Cook lentils in a 2:1 water-to-lentil ratio for about 20-25 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Make sure not to overcook them.
- Flavorful Vinaigrette: Use a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper to create a tangy and flavorful vinaigrette that complements the lentils.
- Enhance with Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives add a vibrant and aromatic touch to the salad. Incorporate them just before serving to preserve their freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the salad for added color, texture, and nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Consider adding a protein source like crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or roasted tofu to make the salad a more complete meal.
- Storage and Leftovers: Store leftover lentil salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftovers make a great packed lunch or light dinner option.
Conclusion:
French lentil salad is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the goodness of lentils, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. With its healthy ingredients and customizable variations, this salad is a crowd-pleaser and a staple in many kitchens. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the delightful journey of creating this classic French lentil salad!
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