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–+ servings
salad and toasted bread on a white plate
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5 from 3 votes

Lentil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

With an irresistible tangy balsamic vinaigrette, healthy lentil salad is a great anytime side dish. Packed with protein, it’s great to prep ahead, serve for lunches, or add to dinner for a gluten-free, vegan side dish that everyone will love.
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Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Keyword: easy vegetable side, gluten free, healthy recipe, vegan recipe
Servings: 6
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $6.00

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Green Lentils (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons Shallots, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 cup finely chopped Roasted Red Peppers, from a jar (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Fresh Herbs (basil, parsley, or cilantro)

Instructions

  • Rinse lentils well. Combine the lentils and salt in a saucepan. Add water to cover lentils by a few inches. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer (just a few bubbles rising off the bottom of the pan). Simmer gently until lentils are tender, 20 to 30 minutes, occasionally stirring, skimming foam off the top, and adding more water if needed.
  • While lentils simmer, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shallots, and mustard.
  • When lentils are tender, drain.
  • Pour warm lentils over dressing and stir gently to combine. Stir in roasted red peppers.
  • Taste lentils and add some more salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Serve lentils warm or refrigerate for up to five days.
  • Just before serving, stir in herbs.

Notes

Lentils - Any type of lentils will work. Just be sure to check the recommended cooking time on the variety you choose. 
Make Ahead - Lentil salad is good right after it is made, but the lentils will continue to soak up flavor as they sit, so they’re even better a day or two after cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg