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Lentil Salad Recipe With Herbed Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette

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A hearty lentil salad with juicy cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and creamy goat cheese coated in fresh herbs.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup dried brown lentils (or 1 15 oz/425 g can no-salt-added brown lentils, rinsed and drained)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 small red onion (finely diced)
  • 6 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (slightly scant)
  • 4 ounces baby spinach (about 4 cups; for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
  • 4 ounces log goat cheese (sliced into 8 rounds)

Instructions

  1. Sort through the lentils to remove any small stones or debris, then rinse with cold water in a colander. Add the lentils and water to a lidded medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy. Drain well.
  2. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette. Set aside.
  3. Combine the 3 tablespoons parsley and chives in a small dish. Roll each goat cheese round in the herbs until coated, then set aside.
  4. Combine the drained lentils, red onion, cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons parsley, salt, and balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently until evenly dressed.
  5. Divide the baby spinach among 4 plates. Top each with one-quarter of the lentil salad and 2 rounds of herbed goat cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Keep the lentils at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to help prevent their skins from splitting and becoming mushy.
  • Canned no-salt-added brown lentils can be used for a quicker preparation; rinse and drain them well before assembling the salad.
  • For the best texture, cook dried lentils until tender while still holding their shape.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/lentil-salad-recipe-with-herbed-goat-cheese-and-balsamic-vinaigrette/