Lentil Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipes

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC ROAST SQUASH

Steps:

• Combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric, onion, water, and salt to taste in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook at a moderate bubble until the lentils have softened and produced a flavorful broth, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat. Remove the onion and discard. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain the lentils.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. If using cut up squash, place in a bowl or directly on the baking sheet and toss with salt to taste, the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer and make sure to tip all of the liquid remaining in the bowl over the squash. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so that the squash browns evenly. The squash should be tender all the way through. Remove from the heat. If using acorn squash, spoon a tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar into both cavities, season with salt, brush with olive oil, and place cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until thoroughly tender. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle remove the skin and cut the squash into dice.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together the vinegars, mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil, and walnut oil. Toss with the lentils and return to the saucepan. Add a few tablespoons of the lentil broth, stir in the parsley and heat through.
• Place the squash in the middle of a wide bowl or serving platter, surround with the lentil salad and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD WITH LEMON-THYME VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• To make the salad, combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain, place in a large bowl and let cool. Toss the tomato, olives, feta and celery with the lentils.
• To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic and thyme in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Whisk in the salt and pepper. Toss the vinaigrette with the salad and season to taste. Divide among 4 plates, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.