Now don't wrinkle up your nose at the word lentil.
That's what I did when I first heard of this recipe. (I wrinkled my nose right up and thought to myself..."self, I don't like lentils so therefore, I will never make this recipe.")
I had only ever had lentils in soup and they were always mushy to me with no flavor....blech! So I just assumed that I didn't like them at all!
I was wrong!
A few weeks back I wanted to fix salmon patties for our dinner, but I couldn't think of a good side to go with them. Usually I do homemade gluten free mac and cheese or country fries, but this time I wanted something different. So I grabbed a recipe that I had copied down last spring. I stared at it for a long while trying to decide if I would make it or not. I was missing a few ingredients but I decided to tweak it and give it a whirl.
Boy am I glad I did!
This salad was so good! The tweaking worked out just fine and everyone in the house liked it. Yes, everyone...even Hayman who is a very "meat and potatoes" kind of man!
(Lentil salad served with salmon patties and roasted green beans)
Spring Lentil Salad
1/3 pound lentils
3 1/2 Tblsp Olive oil
3 Tblsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
dash fresh ground pepper
1/4 tsp dried dill (I added a touch more)
1/8 tsp dried mint flakes
1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning
3 celery ribs, diced
1 carrot, sliced thin
about 4 baby bella mushrooms, diced small
fresh parsley
1 lemon
Place the lentils in a small pan and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. You don't want mushy! Rinse the lentils under cold running water and then drain well. Put the lentils into a serving bowl. Add the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, dill, mint, Italian seasoning, celery, carrot, mushrooms and parsley. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Cover the lentil salad and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to get happy.
Just before serving, cut the lemon in half and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the salad.
Enjoy!
5 comments:
mmm...sounds good. I bought some lentils and have been trying to think of something to make besides soup...think I'll give it a try!
I actually love lentils and would love this salad. I am a lentil and legume kinda gal. Is a lentil considered a legume too? :)
I will have to file this one away for the day I get brave and have that same conversation with myself....
I love lentil soup and I am so going to try this salad. Yum!
Mmm! That looks great! I enjoy lentils in East Indian dishes. I'll have to try your recipe soon.
~Lisa
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