Easy French Lentil salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

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

A Delicious and Nutritious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Summer Corn and Black Bean Salad 

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