Mediterranean Lentil Salad

This vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a delightful combination of tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. Perfectly suited for any occasion, this dish is both nutritious and refreshing, ideal for a light lunch or as a complement to your dinner.

Ingredients

Salad Components
1	cup lentils
4	cups cups water
2	bay leaves
1⁄2	teaspoon thyme
2	garlic cloves, peeled
1⁄3	cup sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil
	boiling water
1⁄2	cup celery, diced
1⁄2	red bell pepper, diced
1⁄4	cup red onion, minced
1⁄2	cup fresh parsley, chopped
1⁄3	cup olive oil
3	tablespoons vinegar
1	tablespoon Dijon mustard
	salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

• Preparation of Lentils

  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with four cups of water, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the lentils to cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

• Mixing the Salad

  1. While the lentils are simmering, cover the sun-dried tomatoes with boiling water in a heatproof bowl and let them sit to soften. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced celery, red bell pepper, minced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
  2. In a separate small non-metallic bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth. Once the sun-dried tomatoes have softened, drain them, mince, and incorporate them into the vegetable mixture.

• Final Assembly

  1. After the lentils are cooked, drain them and discard the bay leaves. Allow them to cool slightly, then remove the garlic, mash it, and mix it back into the lentils.
  2. Gently toss the lentils with the vegetable mixture and dressing, adjusting seasonings as needed to enhance the flavors.

• Serving

  1. Serve the salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for later enjoyment, allowing the flavors to meld.

Jul 23, 2024