Best 9 French Lentil Salad Recipes

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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.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRENCH LENTIL SALAD



French Lentil Salad image

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

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 red onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
1/2 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped (optional)
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup torn fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, basil, and/or mint

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



French Puy Lentil Salad image

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

3 1/2 cups water (28 fl oz)
1/2 onion
2 cloves
1 1/2 cups puy lentils (10 oz)
1 slice lemon, zest of
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 fresh bay leaf
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
3 green onions, finely chopped

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



French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese image

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

3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup French green lentils
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup water
⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup crumbled chevre (goat cheese)
½ cup quartered grape tomatoes

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



French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Radishes image

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

2 bunches radishes (7 1/2 ounces each), larger radishes halved
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 1/2 cups cooked French green lentils (from 1 cup dry lentils), warm or cooled
1/4 cup roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped
3 cups baby arugula
Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

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)



Warm French Lentil Salad with Bacon & Herbs Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by PineyCook

Number Of Ingredients 15

For the dressing:
1 cup green or French lentils
2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces bacon (about 4 thick-cut slices), cut into small pieces
2 large shallots, cut in half and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped and minced
3 large leaves sage, minced
2 tablespoons capers, roughly chopped
1/2 cup Italian parsley leaves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

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



French Lentil, Prosciutto, and Pepper Salad image

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

1/3 cup/75 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 tbsp
6 paper-thin slices prosciutto di Parma, finely chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
1/2 cup/140 g finely diced carrots
1/2 cup/140 g finely diced red bell pepper/capsicum
2 cups/400 g green French lentils, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup/10 g finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

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



French Lentil Salad with Feta and Mint image

Number Of Ingredients 12

1.5 cups French lentils
4 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
1 shallot
1.5 tablespoon dijon
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 fennel
.5 teaspoon sumac
.25 cup mint
3 ounce goat cheese

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



FRENCH LENTIL SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Bean     Side     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Healthy     Vegan

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups dryFrench green lentils
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (~1 lemon)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (~1 small grapefruit)
2 T. ground cumin
1 T. celery salt
2 t. curry powder
1 t. ground coriander
1/2 t. cayenne pepper (optional)
3 large shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. fresh thyme
1 T. freshly grated lemon zest
1 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

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



Smoked Trout With French Lentil Salad image

Number Of Ingredients 18

FOR THE MARINADE/DRESSING:
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon style mustard
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 Brook trout, 10 to 12 ounces each, gutted and cleaned, heads removed
FOR THE SALAD:
1/2 cup French green lentils
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
apple wood chips soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
kosher salt
lemon wedges

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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