Best 2 Italian Lentil Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this delectable lentil salad, a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. This colorful dish features an array of lentils, each offering a unique bite, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is a symphony of flavors, sure to impress vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Explore variations of this lentil salad with different types of lentils, vegetables, and dressings, creating a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, refreshing side, or hearty main course.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN LENTIL SALAD



Italian Lentil Salad image

This salad functions as a perfect lunch or side dish for dinner. The Italian flavors mix beautifully in your mouth.

Provided by schmerna

Categories     Salad     Beans     Lentil Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups water
1 ½ cups dried lentils, rinsed
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves stripped from stems
¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing, or as needed

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; add lentils. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain and and cool to room temperature.
  • Divide lentils among 4 salad plates; layer with mozzarella cheese slices, prosciutto, and fresh basil. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over each salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.4 calories, Carbohydrate 39.1 g, Cholesterol 43.1 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 14.6 g, Protein 29.3 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 910.7 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

ITALIAN LENTIL SALAD



Italian Lentil Salad image

Categories     Salad     Lentil     Boil

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound green lentils
2 scallions, white part only, chopped
1 cup halved seedless green grapes
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped skinned and toasted hazelnuts
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 1 to 2 lemons)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the lentils and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 18 to 20 minutes. Drain and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Combine the lentils, scallions, red and green grapes, cucumber, bell pepper, hazelnuts, and lemon zest in a large salad bowl.
  • Pour the lemon juice into a small bowl. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly, until combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of lentils for a more flavorful salad. You can use brown, green, or red lentils, or a combination of all three.
  • Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Cook the lentils according to the package directions. You can cook them in a pot on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
  • Once the lentils are cooked, let them cool slightly before adding them to the salad. You can also store the lentils in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs or spices to taste.
  • Add the lentils, chopped vegetables, and herbs to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Italian lentil salad is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also very affordable. You can make this salad with a variety of lentils and vegetables, so it is a great way to use up leftovers. The dressing is also very versatile, so you can adjust it to your own taste. If you are looking for a healthy and satisfying salad, Italian lentil salad is a great option.

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