Ah, France! The land of crusty baguettes, fragrant cheeses, and oh-so-satisfying salads. Today, I want to whisk you away on a culinary journey without leaving your kitchen. We’re making a French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette with a zingy Dijon Vinaigrette, a hearty and refreshing dish. This recipe is a delightful discovery I made while wandering the charming streets of Paris. I stumbled upon a quaint little cafe drawn in by the aroma of fresh herbs and tangy vinaigrette. One bite of their lentil salad, and I was hooked! The lentils were perfectly cooked, retaining a satisfying bite, and the Dijon vinaigrette added a flavor that made me want more.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It’s a fantastic option for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. It’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to add your favorite chopped vegetables, crumbled cheese, or even chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
So, please put on your favorite French tunes, grab a glass of wine, and create some Parisian magic in your kitchen!
Ingredients for French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- ½ cup white wine (optional, but adds a depth of flavor)
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- Dijon Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions to make French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
- Season with salt and saute for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
- Flavor Builders: Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Wine Time (Optional): Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step deglazes the pan, adding a touch of caramelized flavor to the final dish. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
- Lentil Power: Add the rinsed lentils, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still retain a slight bite.
- Dressing Magic: While the lentils simmer, prepare the Dijon Vinaigrette. Whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Salad Assembly: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaves and drain any excess liquid. Let the lentils cool slightly, then toss them with the sauteed vegetables.
- Dress to Impress: Pour the Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serving Ratio & Prep Time
This recipe yields approximately 4-5 servings. Prep time is about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Side Dish
When it comes to French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, this salad is delicious on its own, but if you’d like to turn it into a more substantial meal, here are a few side dish suggestions:
- Crusty bread for dipping in the leftover dressing.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
- Goat cheese or crumbled feta cheese for a touch of creaminess.
Conclusion
This French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is a delightful way to incorporate healthy and protein-packed lentils into your diet. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this salad, and enjoy a taste of France right from your own kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use brown lentils instead of French green lentils?
Absolutely! Brown lentils will take slightly longer, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! You can omit it or substitute it with additional water or vegetable broth.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For more salad recipes