An easy to make, bright and flavorful Mediterranean Lentil Salad with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, fresh parsley, basil and pine nuts! Perfect as a side dish or served as a main meal salad.
Course
Salad, Side Dish
Category
Mediterranean
Prep Time10minutes
Cook Time25minutes
Total Time35minutes
Servings4
Calories306kcal
AutorElle
Ingredients
3/4cupFrench green lentils (Le Puy) (150 g)
2small red onions,thinly sliced
1small bunch flat-leaf parsley,coarsely chopped
2generous handfuls basil leaves,coarsely chopped
10-12oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes halves,chopped
2tablespooncapers (in brine), drained
4tablespoonspine nuts,lightly toasted
5tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 large lemon(about 4 tablespoons)
fresh parmesan shavings(optional)
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Method
Place lentils in a large saucepan, cover with plenty of water and bring to the boil (generally, lentils should be cooked at a 1:3 ratio; lentils to water). Simmer over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, until al dente. Drain excess water and transfer to a bowl to cool.
Add the red onion, parsley, basil, tomatoes, capers and toasted pine nuts to the bowl with the lentils.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, and the pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over lentils.
Give everything a good toss. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve with parmesan shavings, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
I love the taste of raw red onions, but one other trick worth mentioning is to add the onions to the lentils while they are still hot. This is said to tame some of their harsh bite while managing to keep their crisp texture.
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad can easily be adapted by adding more herbs, some baby arugula, using toasted almond slivers instead of pine nuts, or sprinkling with a little feta. As you like!