French Green Lentil Salad
A vibrant, flavorful French green lentil salad featuring fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lentils in 4 cups of water with all but the last four ingredients for 30 minutes.
- Drain the lentils well.
- Remove bay leaf, garlic, and thyme from the lentils.
- Keep lentils warm and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the lentils to the dressing and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the salad. If you're short on time, canned lentils are a convenient substitute, though fresh ones give a better texture. For added protein, mix in some feta cheese or grilled chicken. Adjust the salt based on your preference, especially if using cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French Green Lentil Salad alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side dish to roasted vegetables like Roasted Broccoli With Sesame Dressing. It’s also a great addition to a picnic or potluck, as it holds up well and can be made in advance. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the lentils in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. This salad can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Green Lentil Salad contains roughly 148 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 480mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the flavors. The lentils will absorb the dressing, enhancing the taste, but it’s best to combine them just before serving.
What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding diced cucumber, radishes, or even crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. For a vegan twist, consider incorporating avocado or nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for meal prep due to its hearty ingredients and flavor longevity. Just store the lentils and dressing separately, and combine before serving to keep everything fresh. It's a nutritious option for lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).