It’s easy to make this unique lentil strain taste amazing! This French lentil salad is made with a Dijon vinaigrette, shallots, goat cheese and fresh mint.
Looking for French lentil recipes? try that French lentil salad Recipe! It’s packed with flavor and so versatile: it makes for a healthy lunch idea or an easy side dish for dinner parties. It’s perfect as a summer salad for the patio or in the middle of winter (we have it). It’s topped with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette and served with shallots, goat’s cheese, and mint. There are so many flavors out there that you’ll be obsessed with this simple way to make this healthy plant-based protein.
LDo you want more? Here are our best lentil recipes.
What are french lentils?
French lentils, also known as French green lentils, are very different from the standard green, brown, or red variety you find in the store. They are small and dark greenish-grey in color with an earthy, peppery flavor. Here is the main difference: French lentils keep their shape when cooked. This makes them good for salads, side dishes and soups where you want them to stick together.
Ingredients for french lentil salad
This Easy French Lentil Salad features a handful of ingredients we selected to deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- French lentils: They hold their shape when cooked, making them perfect for salads. You can also substitute black lenses which are similar.
- Dijon dressing: The salad is topped with a simple vinaigrette made from apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil. (It’s similar to this Dijon Mustard Dressing.)
- shallots: The shallots provide a fine onion aroma.
- goat cheese: Soft goat cheese is often paired with French lentils; You can also substitute the feta cheese crumbs.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Walnuts add a contrasting crunch.
- Fresh mint: Fresh mint adds an herbaceous undertone! Substitute chives, oregano, thyme, or basil if you like.
Variations: other veggies to add!
This French lentil salad is easy to customize: you can easily add other veggies! Don’t add a large amount of veggies as the flavor will be adjusted to around this level. But you can easily add a few of the following to add even more color to the salad (like the look of this Lentil Salad with Feta):
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Sliced ripe tomatoes (cherry tomatoes or old pieces)
- Diced red peppers (fresh or bottled)
- rocket
Where can I find French lentils?
French lentils are packaged under a variety of names, including Lentils du Puy, lentils du Puy, Puy lentils or French green lentils. (Don’t confuse this with “green lentils,” which are completely different!) You should be able to find French lentils at your local grocery store, along with the other varieties. Not all grocery stores carry them, so you’ll need to research your local options. You can also find them online.
How to serve this French lentil salad
This French Lentil Salad is great for lunch or as a side dish that’s packed with plant-based protein. It’s great to bring to potlucks or pitch-ins to add a savory option for those on vegan or vegan diets. For vegans, omit the cheese and consider adding another veg like chopped tomatoes for visual appeal.
This French Lentil Salad recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten free. For vegans, plant-based, and dairy-free people, omit the cheese and add chopped tomatoes, sliced radishes, or jarred red peppers for a little color and variety.
The description
It’s easy to make this unique lentil strain taste amazing! This French lentil salad is made with a Dijon vinaigrette, shallots, goat cheese and fresh mint.
- 1 Easy French Lentils recipe
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 big or 2 small shallots
- ½ cup coarsely chopped mint leaves, loosely packed
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 at 3 ounces softened goat cheese (or crumbled feta cheese*; omit for vegans)
- Prepare the Easy French Lentils.
- Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette: In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Stir in olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time until creamy and emulsified.
- Finely chop the shallot, then divide into rings with your fingers. Roughly chop the mint.
- Place the lentils in the large bowl with the dressing (if you want to chill them quickly, drain in cold water). Add shallots, mint, walnuts and fresh goat cheese crumbs. Add kosher salt and freshly ground pepper and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt to taste. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days (if you plan to make some for lunch, omit the nuts and add them just before serving).
Remarks
*If using feta instead of goat cheese, reduce kosher salt to ½ tsp, then add additional salt to taste (feta is saltier than goat cheese).
- Category: garnish
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: lenses
Keywords: French lentil salad
nutrition of lentils
French lentils are packed with nutritional benefits! Here are some of the key benefits:
- Proteins & Fiber: Lentils are a good source of vegetable protein. 1 cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. (Source)
- Low in fat and calories: Lentils contain virtually no saturated fat and are low in calories.
- Protection against heart disease: Lentils are rich in polyphenols, micronutrients believed to help protect against cardiovascular disease. (Source)
And some other lens resources:
