Refreshing Lentil Salad Recipe
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Refreshing Lentil Salad

"I tried to duplicate this light, refreshing salad that my Tunisian in-laws make. I put my own 'twist' on this with the addition of lemon zest. Using colorful vegetables makes for a light salad with a beautiful presentation. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and serve with crusty baguettes."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.5 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (8)

Prep Time:
25 Min
Cook Time:
30 Min
Ready In:
1 Hr 55 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 4 servings
 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • salt
  • 1 1/4 cups dry lentils
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 small green chile pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small carrot, shredded
  • 1/2 cup oil-cured black olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs, cut in half lengthwise

Directions

  1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Pour the lentils into the water while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Transfer the lentils to a mixing bowl and stir in the garlic, seeded tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and chile pepper. Add the juice of 1 lemon plus 1 teaspoon of the zest. Mix in the shredded carrot, olives, and cilantro.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil; mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Before serving, mix the salad again and add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced eggs.

Footnotes

  • Cook's Note
  • You may also use red bell peppers in place of green and parsley instead of cilantro, if you prefer.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 431 | Total Fat: 19.4g | Cholesterol: 106mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 21, 2011 by sueb Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
I used double the amount of water as lentils, so I didn't have to drain anything, and used a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2011 by D.Dalrymple Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
I made this to take to work for lunch. It's good on its own or with lettuce, which I did to...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2011 by Christie Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
YUMMY!!!! My 11 year old daughter and I just finished making this, and we could not stop...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2011 by crazydoglady   view full review
Good recipe and fully enjoyed. NOTE: You MUST rinse your dried lentils very well before using.
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 13, 2011 by Trinka G Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
HOLY MOLY!! This is an incredible salad! So fresh, it is very refreshing!! I made it as per...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 27, 2011 by cookin'mama Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
Aptly named, this colorful lentil salad is indeed refreshing and delicious. I used quartered...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2011 by Lilcat   view full review
This is a nice change of pace. I did not have a green chili, so I used 3 shakes of tabasco...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.5 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 9, 2011 by Sugaree1485   view full review
This beautiful dish has excellent texture, but i found it in need of a punch of flavor....

 

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