Lentil Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Dish

Overview: This blog post introduces a vibrant and nutritious Lentil Salad recipe, perfect for a refreshing and healthy meal. This recipe is part of our initiative to promote healthy eating habits through easy and wholesome recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked green lentils, rinsed well and picked over
• 3 cups water (or vegetable broth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 English cucumber, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and finely diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Lentils: In a large saucepan, combine the lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are soft but still slightly firm. Do not overcook or the lentils will be mushy.
2. Make the Dressing: While the lentils are cooking, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar and set aside.
3. Drain and Rinse Lentils: When the lentils are done cooking, use a colander to drain them. Discard the bay leaf and rinse the lentils quickly with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cucumber, red pepper, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl with the lentils. Stir to combine.
5. Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined. Serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Lentil Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the protein and fiber of lentils with the freshness of vegetables and herbs. The dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, while the optional feta cheese provides a creamy texture. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Community Health Initiative:

This recipe is part of our initiative to encourage healthy eating habits by providing easy and nutritious recipes. By incorporating more legumes, fresh vegetables, and wholesome ingredients into your diet, you can enjoy delicious meals and improve your overall health.

Enjoy this Lentil Salad as a fresh and healthy addition to your meals! 🥗🍋🌿

Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and let us know how your salad turned out! Happy cooking!