This Warm Lentil Salad with Kale recipe uses Patricia Well’s wonderfully simple technique to cook and season the lentils while warm. While the recipe is delicious as is, a few ingredients are added for added color and texture. Serve this salad with french bread and be sure to squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving, it will make all the flavors pop. To make this a main course, simply add some feta or goat cheese on top of the warm salad.
Warm Lentil Salad recipes
Warm Lentil Salad with Kale
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lentils imported French green or brown lentils
- 1 medium onion halved and stuck with 2 cloves
- 1 garlic clove peeled
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch lacinato kale 1/2 pound
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro and a few whole leaves to be used as garnish
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon zest
- Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Rinse lentils and discard any pebbles.
- Place the lentils, onion, garlic and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, 25-35 minutes. Add liquid if necessary.
- While the lentils are simmering, finely mince the kale and steam for about 7 minutes over boiling water. Squeeze excess water out of the kale and set aside.
- Peel and mince the red onion into a very small dice, and then sauté in a small pan over medium heat. For 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft. Set aside.
- When the lentils are ready, discard the onion, garlic and bay leaf and drain any excess liquid.
- Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing the red wine vinegar, olive oil, cilantro , salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
- Combine the lentils, kale and sautéed red onions. Pour the vinaigrette over the warm mixture and toss. Garnish individual bowls with lemon zest, a few leaves of cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Instant Pot Lentil Salad
To prepare Pressure Cook Lentils, start by placing the rinsed lentils, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in your Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes for green or brown lentils. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. While the lentils are cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Once the lentils are cooked and pressure is released, open the Instant Pot and drain any excess liquid if necessary. Transfer the cooked lentils to a large mixing bowl and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Add the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the lentils. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Instant Pot Lentil Salad warm or at room temperature.
Tips for making Lentil Salad
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve scoops of the lentil salad stuffed into hollowed out tomatoes or bell peppers for a pretty presentation. The red and green veggies make a nice contrast to the beige lentils. For a Mediterranean twist, stuff the salad into grape leaves.
Lentil salad also makes an excellent topping for leafy greens, grains like farro or quinoa, flatbreads, and more. Its heartiness stands up well next to bold flavors like garlic, lemon, parsley, feta, or olives. I’ll often add dollops of the salad on top of soup for added protein and texture too.
Cooking Tips
I find that using a mix of lentil varieties, like green, brown, and black, makes for a beautiful presentation with all those earthy colors and textures. And don’t skip the acid like lemon juice or vinegar—it helps soften the lentils so they’re perfectly tender.
One of my favorite tricks is toasting nuts or seeds before mixing them into the salad. It adds incredible crunch and flavor. I like to toast pecans or pepitas lightly in a pan with a little bit of maple syrup or honey to caramelize them. So good!
When it comes to serving, I love to stuff the salad into hollowed out veggies like tomatoes or bell peppers for a pretty presentation. Topping leafy greens, grains, or flatbreads with scoops of the salad makes for a hearty, protein-packed meal too.
FAQs about Lentil Salad
- Can I make Lentil Salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Lentil Salad actually tastes better as it sits and the flavors meld. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for picnics and gatherings.
- How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover Lentil Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If it seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a bit more olive oil before serving.
- Can I use canned lentils instead of cooking them from scratch? Yes, you can use canned lentils as a time-saving option. Simply rinse and drain them before mixing with the other salad ingredients.
- Is Lentil Salad gluten-free? Yes, Lentil Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add, such as the dressing or garnishes, are also gluten-free if needed.
- Can I customize the vegetables in my Lentil Salad? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables to suit your taste. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes can be delightful additions.
Conclusion
I hope you all enjoyed learning about my protein-packed lentil salad and how versatile it can be. This hearty, nutritious salad makes an awesome meatless addition to any meal.
As I wrap up this blog post for Food and Meal, I encourage you to get creative with how you serve up this high-fiber dish. Stuff it into veggies, use it as a topping for greens and grains, or add dollops to soup. The possibilities are endless!
Be sure to tag @foodandmeal and use #lentilsalad if you whip up a batch so we can see your delicious lentil salad creations. And don’t forget to like and subscribe to Food and Meal for more healthy and delicious recipe inspiration.
Thanks for spending some time with me chatting about one of my go-to meatless recipes. I hope these serving suggestions have sparked some ideas for how to incorporate this versatile salad into your routine. Now go make someone’s day with a scoop of protein-packed, plant-based goodness!
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.