Best 10 Warm Lentil Salad With Goat Cheese Recipes

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**Warm Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors and Textures**

Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with our warm lentil salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the earthy goodness of lentils, the creamy tanginess of goat cheese, and a vibrant array of fresh vegetables. This delightful dish tantalizes the taste buds with a harmonious blend of spices and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a hearty and satisfying meal or a meat-lover looking for a flavorful side dish, our warm lentil salad promises to delight your palate. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this salad is sure to be the star of any gathering.

Additional Recipes to Explore:

- **Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:** Discover a delightful harmony of flavors and textures in this vibrant quinoa salad. Tender quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing come together to create a wholesome and satisfying dish.

- **Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon:** Experience a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in this unique salad. Crispy kale and roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed with savory bacon, tangy cranberries, and a creamy maple- Dijon dressing for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

- **Zucchini and Corn Salad:** Savor the vibrant flavors of summer in this refreshing zucchini and corn salad. Sweet corn, crisp zucchini, and a zesty lemon-mint dressing create a light and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements grilled meats or fish.

- **Easy Tabbouleh Salad:** Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with this authentic tabbouleh salad. Bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing come together to create a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion.

- **Beet and Goat Cheese Salad:** Experience a symphony of flavors and textures in this elegant beet and goat cheese salad. Roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette come together to create a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE



Warm Lentil Salad with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     side-dish

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

1 medium Spanish onion, peeled and quartered
1 carrot, quartered
1 stalk celery, quartered
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups dried French green lentils
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 pound slab bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
4 cups frisee or mixed greens
Sherry Vinaigrette, recipe follows
4 slices goat cheese
French bread, for serving
Roasted Beets, recipe follows
3 medium beets (red or gold), scrubbed, leaves trimmed
Olive oil
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Begin by roasting the beets.
  • Tie onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs together in cheesecloth. Place chicken stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the lentils, season with salt and pepper, and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and discard the cheesecloth bag of aromatics.
  • Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until lightly golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a dish lined with paper towels. Add the garlic and carrot to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked lentils and bacon to the pan and stir to combine. Stir in the chopped thyme and 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep warm.
  • To assemble, place the frisee in a large bowl, toss with half of the vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the roasted beets around the outside of 4 dinner plates. Divide the greens among each plate in the center. Top the frisee with some of the warm lentils and place a slice of the goat cheese on top. Drizzle each salad with the remaining vinaigrette. Serve with slices of French bread.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Coat beets lightly with oil. Wrap beets in aluminum foil, place on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until cooked through, approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes, and then peel and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, thyme and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil and whisk until emulsified.

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE



Warm Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese image

Hearty lentils and tangy goat cheese pair perfectly in this healthy side dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 cup green lentils (4.75 ounces)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 shallots, thinly sliced crosswise and separated into rings
1 carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons balsamic or sherry vinegar
6 ounces spinach, stemmed and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces fresh goat cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add lentils, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add shallots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add carrot, celery, and bell pepper; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes more. Stir in parsley, vinegar, and remaining tablespoon oil. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Drain lentils, and add to bowl with vegetables. Stir in spinach, and season with salt and black pepper. Crumble goat cheese into bowl, and toss gently to combine.

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE



Warm Lentil Salad with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     side-dish

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

Roasted Beets, recipe follows
1 medium Spanish onion, peeled and quartered
1 carrot, quartered
1 stalk celery, quartered
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups dried French green lentils
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 pound slab bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
4 cups frisee or mixed greens
Sherry Vinaigrette, recipe follows
4 slices goat cheese
French bread, for serving
3 medium beets (red or gold), scrubbed, leaves trimmed
Olive oil
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Begin by roasting the beets.
  • Lentils:
  • Tie onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, and thyme sprigs together in cheesecloth. Place chicken stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in the lentils, season with salt and pepper, and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and discard the cheesecloth bag of aromatics.
  • Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until lightly golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a dish lined with paper towels. Add the garlic and carrot to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked lentils and bacon to the pan and stir to combine. Stir in the chopped thyme and 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep warm.
  • To assemble, place the frisee in a large bowl, toss with half of the vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the roasted beets around the outside of 4 dinner plates. Divide the greens among each plate in the center. Top the frisee with some of the warm lentils and place a slice of the goat cheese on top. Drizzle each salad with the remaining vinaigrette. Serve with slices of French bread.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Coat beets lightly with oil. Wrap beets in aluminum foil, place on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until cooked through, approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes, and then peel and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, thyme and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil and whisk until emulsified.

WARM BEET AND LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE



Warm Beet and Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
One 4-ounce log goat cheese
1 cup leftover lentils from Salmon with Lentils, recipe follows
1/4 pound slab or thick-cut bacon, sliced
1 medium shallot, minced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Pinch of sugar
1 large bunch frisee, torn, or 6 cups baby greens
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 leeks, white and light-green parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 pound (1 1/4 cups) French brown or green lentils
1 bunch Swiss chard
3 6 -ounce center-cut skinless salmon fillets
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400. Toss the beets with 3 tablespoons olive oil in a roasting pan and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, season the nuts with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Cut the goat cheese into 4 even rounds. Press the cut sides in the nuts and set aside. Warm the lentils in the microwave or in a saucepan and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, 10 minutes, and transfer to paper towels with a slotted spoon. Add the shallot to the pan drippings and cook for 20 seconds. Remove from the heat; whisk in the vinegar and sugar.
  • Remove the beets from the oven and warm the nut-crusted goat cheese on the hot roasting pan. Toss the frisee with the bacon and dressing and divide among bowls. Top the salads with beets, lentils and a round of goat cheese. Drizzle with more olive oil.
  • Per serving: Calories 482; Fat 39 g (Saturated 12 g); Cholesterol 42 mg; Sodium 571 mg; Carbohydrate 19 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 15 g
  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and carrots and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Increase the heat to high; add 4 cups water, the cinnamon stick and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high, cover and simmer until tender, 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, remove the Swiss chard stems; reserve 3 leaves and chop the rest. Place the whole leaves over the lentils, cover and wilt, 1 minute. Remove the chard and cover the lentils. Season the salmon with salt and pepper and wrap a wilted chard leaf around each fillet.
  • Reserve about 1 cup lentils for another use. Stir the honey and lemon juice into the remaining lentils and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped chard. Place the wrapped salmon on top of the lentils, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until the fish is just cooked through, 6 minutes.
  • Remove the salmon and cut into pieces. (If the lentils are dry, add a splash of water.) Divide lentils among bowls and top with salmon.
  • Per serving: Calories 510; Fat 20 g (Saturated 3 g); Cholesterol 70 mg; Sodium 357 mg; Carbohydrate 45 g; Fiber 8 g; Protein 40 g

FRENCH LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE



French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese image

This hearty lentil salad is perfect for a light dinner or a wholesome on-the-go lunch.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 as a side dish, 2 as a main course

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup French green lentils (or common brown or green lentils)
3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 large carrot, finely diced
2 ribs celery, finely diced
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, best quality such as Lucini or Colavita
3 ounces goat cheese

Steps:

  • Before cooking the lentils, make sure you rinse them well and pick over them to remove any small rocks or debris. Combine lentils, chicken broth and bay leaf in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down and simmer until lentils are tender, 25-30 minutes for French green lentils or 20-25 minutes for common brown or green lentils. Remove bay leaf, strain and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except goat cheese. Add cooled lentils and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer salad to serving dish, crumble goat cheese over top and serve.
  • Note: When preparing this recipe, be sure to build in at least 10 minutes to cool the lentils after they have cooked.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 432, Fat 21g, Carbohydrate 40g, Protein 21g, SaturatedFat 6g, Sugar 7g, Fiber 16g, Sodium 675mg, Cholesterol 15mg

BAKED LENTILS WITH GOAT CHEESE



Baked Lentils With Goat Cheese image

The French green Le Puy lentils are smaller and firmer than brown lentils, but have the same type of earthy flavor. They lend themselves to dishes where you want the lentils to stay intact like salads and sides. "Beluga lentils" will also work for this salad.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     weekday, salads and dressings

Time 1h

Yield Serves 4 to 6 as a main dish salad, 8 as a side

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound green or beluga lentils about 2 1/4 cups, washed and picked over
1 medium onion, cut in half and peeled
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 bay leaf
Salt, preferably kosher salt to taste
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley, or a mixture of parsley and chives
4 ounces fresh goat cheese, cut in rounds
1/4 cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup cooking liquid from the lentils
Salt, preferably kosher salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place the lentils in a large saucepan or soup pot with the halved onion, the garlic cloves, and the bay leaf. Add enough water to cover by 1 1/2 inches. Bring to a simmer, add 1 teaspoon salt, cover and simmer 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender all the way through but intact. Set a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils. Remove the onion halves, bay leaf, and garlic and discard. Return the liquid to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to 1/2 cup.
  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Whisk together the vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and cooking liquid from the lentils. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss with the lentils. Stir in the parsley (or parsley and chives), place in a baking dish and top with the rounds of goat cheese. Heat through for 15 minutes, until the goat cheese has softened, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 413, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 51 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 371 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

WARM RED LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT OR FETA CHEESE



Warm Red Lentil Salad With Goat or Feta Cheese image

I got this recipe out of the Fitness Food Cookbook, a christmas gift from my sister. I'm copying this recipe as is but will probably sub half the ingredients-- I don't care for goat cheese, I'll probably use feta. And I never heard of hazelnut oil; I'd sub with olive or sunflower oil. Lemon pepper would also be a nice sub for black pepper in the seasoning the cheese.

Provided by the80srule

Categories     Spinach

Time 50m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 garlic cloves, crushed (1 tsp minced garlic)
2 teaspoons grated gingerroot (I'd use powdered ginger)
1 1/2 cups split red lentils
3 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 red onions, thinly sliced
4 cups baby spinach leaves
1 teaspoon hazelnut oil
100 g soft fresh goat cheese (I'll use crumbled feta)
4 tablespoons plain yogurt, strained
pepper
1 lemon, cut in quarters
toasted rye bread

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, garlic, and ginger and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in the lentils and vegetable stock. Let cook, covered (but with venting for the steam), for 20 minutes on medium-high heat.
  • After 20 minutes, remove from heat and stir in the mint and cilantro.
  • In a frying pan (or skillet), heat the other tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add the onions, and cook for about 10 minutes or until softly translucent and browned.
  • Toss the spinach in the hazelnut oil in a bowl, then divide between 4 serving plates.
  • Mash the goat (or feta) cheese with the yogurt in a small bowl and season to taste with pepper.
  • Divide the lentils between the serving plates and top with the onions and cheese mixture. Garnish with lemon quarters and serve with toasted rye bread, pitas, or melba toast.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 443.9, Fat 14.9, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 13.5, Sodium 132.9, Carbohydrate 55.1, Fiber 25, Sugar 4.9, Protein 25.8

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH POACHED EGGS



Warm Lentil Salad with Poached Eggs image

French green lentils and Swiss chard join the aromatic blend of finely diced onion, carrot, and celery known as mirepoix in this hearty salad. It's tossed in a lemony mustard dressing while still warm and finished with fresh parsley, creamy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and the piece de resistance, poached eggs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon country Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/3 cups French green lentils
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into a 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
2 celery stalks, cut into a 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
1 medium onion, cut into a 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
1 bunch Swiss chard, stems trimmed and cut into a 1/4-inch dice (1 1/4 cups), leaves thinly sliced crosswise
4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
Easy Poached Eggs, for serving

Steps:

  • In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Slowly add oil, whisking constantly, until emulsified; set aside.
  • In a saucepan, cover lentils with at least 2 inches cold water; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender but not mushy, 18 to 22 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and chard stems. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but do not develop color, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in chard leaves and continue cooking until leaves collapse and become tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to bowl with lentils. Immediately drizzle with dressing and toss to evenly coat. Let cool slightly, 10 minutes. Fold in goat cheese, almonds, and parsley. Serve warm, with eggs on top.

WARM LENTIL SALAD ROASTED BEETS, GOAT CHEESE



Warm Lentil Salad Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese image

Categories     Salad     Cheese     Roast     Dinner     Goat Cheese     Lentil     Beet     Boil

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 24

3 medium red or gold beets, trimmed and scrubbed
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 small carrots, 1 quartered and 1 finely diced
1 medium Spanish onion, quartered
1 small stalk celery, quartered
1 bay leaf
5 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 2 teaspoons finely chopped
1 quart chicken stock, homemade (page 240) or store-bought
1 1/4 cups dried French green lentils
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 pound slab bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
3 ounces chopped frisée or mixed greens
Sherry Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices fresh goat cheese
SHERRY VINAIGRETTE
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
(makes 3/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Put each beet on its own piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Wrap the beets tightly, place on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until cooked through, about 1 hour. Remove the beets from the oven, let cool slightly, and then remove the skins. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
  • Place the quartered carrot, onion, and celery and the bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and chicken stock in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir in the lentils, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain well and discard the carrot, onion, celery, bay leaf, and thyme.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the bacon, and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a dish lined with paper towels. Add the garlic and diced carrot to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the cooked lentils and bacon and stir to combine. Stir in the chopped thyme and sherry vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
  • Place the frisée in a large bowl, toss with half of the vinaigrette, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the roasted beets around the outside of 4 dinner plates and the frisée in the centers. Top the frisée with the warm lentils and place a slice of goat cheese on top of each. Drizzle the salads with the remaining vinaigrette.
  • SHERRY VINAIGRETTE
  • Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Season with the salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. The dressing can be made 1 day in advance and stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

ARUGULA AND LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE



Arugula and Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese image

With green lentils anchoring a medley of tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula, this nicely textured salad is both light and filling.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup dried French green lentils, rinsed, drained, and picked over
1 small red onion, halved
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 ounces baby arugula (6 cups loosely packed)
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved if large
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Place lentils and 1 onion half in a medium saucepan; cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; discard onion half. Transfer lentils to a medium bowl.
  • Chop remaining onion. Combine vinegar and mustard. Pour in oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until emulsified. Add chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Toss lentils with half the vinaigrette; let cool.
  • Arrange half the arugula on a platter. Spoon half the lentils on top. Top with half the tomatoes and half the goat cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients to form another layer; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality lentils. Puy lentils are a good choice, as they hold their shape well and have a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any dirt or debris.
  • If you don't have time to cook the lentils from scratch, you can use canned lentils. Be sure to rinse them well before using.
  • To make the dressing, use a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice, as it has a robust flavor.
  • If you don't have shallots, you can use a small onion instead.
  • To make the salad more flavorful, add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or mint.
  • Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. It's also delicious chilled.

Conclusion:

Warm lentil salad with goat cheese is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and the goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor. This salad is also very versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. For example, you could add other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or zucchini, or you could use a different type of cheese, such as feta or cheddar.

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