Sunflower Lentil Salad Recipes

LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups of water (or veggie broth) and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat until the broth reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and maintain the simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes depending on the type of lentils used. Use a strainer to drain and rinse the lentils in cold water for 1 minute until they are chilled, and set aside.
• Meanwhile, as the lentils are cooking, combine all of the lemon dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until combined.
• Add the cooked and chilled lentils, cucumber, red onion, mint and sun-dried tomatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the lemon dressing and toss until evenly combined.
• Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.

MEDITERRANEAN POWER LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the lentils. In a saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups of water and pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, and lower heat to medium-low. Let simmer until the lentils are fully tender (anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes depending on the kind of lentils used). Be sure to check and add water if lentils seem too dry during the cooking process (they should absorb a lot of the water. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils with chopped onions, cucumbers, baby spinach, parsley, and pomegranate seeds (arils.) Give everything a gentle toss.
• Make the dressing. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lime dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss to combine. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese to finish.
• Allow a few minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.

LENTIL SALAD WITH SUNFLOWER KERNELS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except dressing and sunflower kernels in large bowl.
• Add dressing; toss to evenly coat.
• Sprinkle with sunflower kernels.

WARM LENTIL-AND-CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475°F, with a rimmed baking sheet on center rack and another rack in top position. Toss together tomatoes, garlic, capers, and 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Brush cauliflower evenly with 3 tablespoons oil, season, and arrange on sheet. Roast until undersides are golden, 12 to 13 minutes. Flip and push to one side; add tomatoes to other and roast 12 minutes more.
• Stir lentils into tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil; season. Sprinkle everything with cheese. Switch oven to broil, and broil on top rack until cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Toss arugula with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and vinegar; season. Serve cauliflower and lentils with arugula salad, sprinkled with almonds.

LENTIL AND TUNA SALAD

Steps:

• Place the lentils, half the garlic, the bay leaf and the onion in a medium-size saucepan or soup pot. Add 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and add salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon). Cover and simmer 30 minutes until the lentils are just tender. Remove the onion and bay leaf, and discard. Drain the lentils through a strainer set over a bowl.
• In a large bowl, combine the tuna, parsley, chives and drained lentils.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, remaining garlic clove and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the broth from the lentils. Toss with the tuna and lentils, and serve.