French Lentil Salad
Here’s a refreshing summer twist on the classic French lentil salad! It features earthy Puy lentils mingling with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, all brought to life with loads of fresh herbs and a zippy dressing with red onions. This vibrant, satisfying, and wholesome salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a barbecue, potluck, or simply enjoying an everyday lunch at home. Summer calls for fast, fresh, yet nutritious dishes, and this French Lentil Salad is just that! I love the simplicity of this salad, yet it…
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 cup (192g) Puy lentils
- 3 cups (750ml) water
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ½ large cucumber, sliced in half rounds
- 1 tbsp chive, chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (flat or curly)
- 1 tbsp basil, chopped
- Salt, pepper to taste
- For the dressing:
- 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced in half-rounds
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp (30ml) white or red wine vinegar
- ¼ (50ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Step 1 - Make the seasoning. In a bowl, glass or jar, mix with a fork the Dijon mustard, vinegar, EVOO and lemon juice. Add the sliced red onions, salt and pepper and mix again. Cover and let rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (to cut the sharpness of the red onion).
- 2
Step 2 - Place the lentils in a fine mesh stainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold water for 30 seconds. Heat a medium saucepan of water over medium-high heat until it boils. Add the lentils and a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Let the lentils simmer for about 20 minutes, until they are just tender but still quite chewy. Drain the lentils thoroughly and transfer them to a medium bowl. Let cool completely.
- 3
Step 3 - Once the lentils are completely cool, add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber and fresh herbs. Add about 2/3 of the dressing and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and more dressing as needed. Add more dressing as desired.