Lentil Salad with Toasted Almonds
Lentil Salad with Toasted Almonds
Ingredients
For the Lentil Salad
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled, optional
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Cook the lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, 3 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool completely.
⏱️ 25 min
- 2
Toast the almonds: While the lentils are cooking, spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the vegetables: While lentils cool, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh parsley.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Finish and serve: Stir in the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. This salad is excellent served at room temperature or chilled.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Lentil Salad with Toasted Almonds
Ingredients
For the Lentil Salad
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled, optional
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Cook the lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, 3 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool completely.
⏱️ 25 min - 2
Toast the almonds: While the lentils are cooking, spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the vegetables: While lentils cool, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh parsley.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Finish and serve: Stir in the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. This salad is excellent served at room temperature or chilled.
⏱️ 5 min