Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese
Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly combines the earthiness of lentils, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the crunch of fresh vegetables. This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that elevates any gathering, making it ideal for picnics or dinner parties. With its zesty dressing and colorful ingredients, this salad will have everyone diving in for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 4 oz creamy goat cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine lentils with 3 cups water, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool.
- While lentils cool, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber, and slice red onion.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled lentils with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and parsley.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; drizzle over the salad and toss gently.
- Crumble goat cheese on top before serving. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding roasted vegetables or nuts for extra crunch. Substitute goat cheese with feta for a tangier flavor or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.