French Lentil Salad Recipe

There’s a profundity of flavor and a wonderful simplicity to a French Lentil Salad. Using as its base French green lentils, this dish is a protein powerhouse and a fiber mantle, so it’s really nutritious.

The lentils are combined with the aromatic trifecta of a bay leaf, a diced onion, and finely chopped celery to just set them off. The whole dish becomes a textural experience because of the grated carrot that is in the lentil salad.

For me, the classic dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard is a dialing-in moment. You can, of course, do what you like.

But then, the salad reaches new heights of goodness because of the parsley (or no parsley), feta cheese (yes or no), and walnuts.

Ingredients

French Green Lentils:
Ideal for a balanced diet; they provide fiber and protein in abundance.

Parsley:
Brings newness and has an abundance of vitamins A and C.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are healthy, rich in antioxidants, and good for the heart.

Red Wine Vinegar:
Delivers a sharp taste, assists in digestive processes.

Dijon Mustard:
Imparts a spicy kick and is rich in antioxidants.

Feta Cheese:
Offers calcium and protein; creamy and salty.

Walnuts/Toasted Pine Nuts:
A crunchy texture combined with a wealth of omega-3s and nutrients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup French green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the French green lentils, water, and bay leaf. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Lower the heat and let the lentils gently simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and toss the bay leaf.

3. As you cook the lentils, you can make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

4. In a big mixing bowl, blend together the lentils, which have been cooked, the onion, which has been diced, the celery, which has been chopped, the carrot, which has been grated, and the parsley, which has been chopped.

5. The dressing should be poured over the lentil mixture, and it should be combined with the lentils. Toss gently. The lentils should be well coated with the dressing.

6. If needed, taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper to taste.

7. If you are using it, add the crumbled feta cheese to the lentil salad and mix gently.

8. If desired, sprinkle on top with chopped walnuts or toasted pine nuts for an added crunch.

9. Let the flavors blend for at least 15 minutes.

10. Poste el eneldo en la parte superior de la ensalada. ¡Listo! ¡Sirve la ensalada de lentejas francesa a tu familia y amigos y observa cómo se deleitan con este manjar repleto de proteínas e increíblemente nutritivo!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Big mixing bowl
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Grater
9. Chef’s knife
10. Cutting board
11. Colander or fine-mesh sieve

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of lentil?
  French green lentils are preferred for their firm texture and ability to hold shape. You can substitute with brown lentils, but avoid red lentils as they tend to become mushy.
• How long does it take to cook French green lentils?
  Typically, French green lentils take about 20-25 minutes to cook until tender but not mushy.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add the parsley, nuts, and cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
  The base recipe is vegan. However, if you include the optional feta cheese, it becomes vegetarian. To keep it vegan, omit the cheese.
• What is a good substitute for walnuts or pine nuts?
  Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make excellent substitutes for adding crunch while keeping the recipe nut-free.
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
  Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but if needed, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley as a substitute.

Substitutions and Variations

You can replace French green lentils with brown lentils, but if you do, pay attention to the cooking time, as they tend to cook a bit faster.
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can serve as substitutes for red wine vinegar.
Dijon mustard is an excellent condiment, but whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can also be effectively used when Dijon is not available.
Feta cheese: A good substitute is goat cheese or ricotta salata.
Chopped walnuts. You can substitute almonds or pecans, or leave nuts out altogether for a nut-free version.