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.

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

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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