Lentil Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthy and protein-rich side dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than lentil salad. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a refreshing accompaniment to any main course. Packed with nutrients and full of texture, lentil salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. In this article, we’ll take you through a delicious recipe that highlights the best of fusion cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried lentils
• 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (30g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. In a medium-sized pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Give it a gentle toss to combine.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it overnight for an even more intense flavor.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or a light lunch. Enjoy!

Notes/Tips

• For added flavor and texture, you can incorporate other vegetables like diced avocado, grated carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic according to your preferences.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add some crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken.
• Keep in mind that the lentils will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so you may want to add a little more dressing just before serving.

Conclusion

Lentil salad is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the creativity and diversity of fusion cooking. Bursting with flavor, protein, and nutrients, it’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying light lunch on its own. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this lentil salad recipe is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests. So why not give it a try and discover the culinary delights of fusion cuisine?