Summer Lentil Salad

Lentil salad is such a simple and colorful summer dinner. French green lentils also known as le Puy lentils are a must because they hold their shape when cooking. The brown or regular green or red lentils can turn mushy when cooked and not ideal for lentil salad. They are a great source of plant based protein and fiber.

The cucumbers and herbs were freshly picked from my vegetable garden. The small amount of vegetable chopping is therapeutic if you turn on some music and sip some wine.

A deconstructed image of the salad before I added the dressing and combined.

1 cup uncooked French green lentils (du Puy lentils), rinsed, well and picked over

3 cups water (or vegetable broth)

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 English cucumber, finely diced

½ red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and finely diced

½ yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and finely diced

½ small red onion, finely diced

¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (I used parsley and a small amount of mint)

For the dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

zest from 1 lemon

juice from 1 lemon (2 tablespoons)

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or honey

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

pepper to taste (I like to add Aleppo pepper too for a kick)

In a pot, combine the water or broth, 2 whole cloves of garlic, and the lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 - 20 minutes until the lentils are just soft but still somewhat firm. Do not overcook or the lentils can become too mushy. When they are cooked, drain them and rinse well with cold water.

While the lentils are cooking, chop the vegetables and herbs and add to a large bowl.

In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients and whisk well.

Add the drained lentils and dressing to the vegetables and gently combine well. Salt and pepper to taste. Add Aleppo pepper for an extra kick if desired. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Have you cooked with lentils before? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.