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Lentil & Walnut Salad

Lentil & Walnut Salad recipe image
This Lentil & Walnut Salad offers a satisfying balance of earthy, nutty, and fresh flavors. The tender lentils provide a hearty base, while the raw carrots add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. Toasted walnuts contribute a rich texture and depth, making every bite interesting. Dressed with a tangy white wine vinegar and aromatic garlic, this dish is incredibly versatile. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or as a robust side dish at a gathering. Being vegan and gluten-free, it caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, so itâÂÂs an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 204.8
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Lentil & Walnut Salad offers a satisfying balance of earthy, nutty, and fresh flavors. The tender lentils provide a hearty base, while the raw carrots add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. Toasted walnuts contribute a rich texture and depth, making every bite interesting. Dressed with a tangy white wine vinegar and aromatic garlic, this dish is incredibly versatile. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or as a robust side dish at a gathering. Being vegan and gluten-free, it caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, so itâÂÂs an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cup Dried lentils
  • 3 Carrots
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, peeled and quartered
  • 3 Cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 1/2 qt Vegetable broth (substitute for chicken stock to keep vegan)
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 ts Dried thyme
  • 1/3 c White wine vinegar
  • 1/2 c Walnut oil
  • 1 c Thinly sliced scallions (including tops)
  • 1 c Shelled walnut halves
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
  1. 1
    Combine lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and 2 cloves of garlic in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. 2
    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any remaining liquid and let lentils cool to room temperature.
  3. 3
    While lentils cook, peel and grate the carrots using the coarse side of a box grater or chop into small uniform pieces.
  4. 4
    In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, walnut oil, minced remaining garlic clove, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  5. 5
    In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled lentils, grated carrots, sliced scallions, and walnut halves.
  6. 6
    Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. 7
    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 204.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.8g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 54.8mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 37.5g13%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g57%
Sugars 6.2g
Protein 14.2g29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a non-vegan version, you can use chicken stock or broth as originally listed in the source ingredients.

To save time, you can use pre-cooked lentils or canned lentils, rinsed and drained.

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve after sitting for a few hours.

If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced scallions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Walnut oil has a low smoke point and delicate flavor; do not cook with it. Use it strictly for the dressing.

Keywords: lentil salad, vegan salad, walnut recipe, healthy lunch, gluten free, plant based, meal prep, protein salad, carrot salad, easy dinner, side dish, heart healthy, no cook salad, mediterranean, fresh vegetables, quick recipe
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/lentil-walnut-salad/