LENTIL SALAD WITH ROASTED TOMATOES: A lovely dish!

LENTIL SALAD WITH ROASTED TOMATOES.- A wonderful side dish or main dish. Simple yet the combination of flavors really satisfies, a very healthy dish, quick to prepare and offers nutrition while delivering big on taste.

This salad doesn't take long to prepare and can be served room temperature, cold or hot, you can leave it in the fridge for a quick bite or serve it at a family dinner.

To prepare this dish you will need:

For the Lentils:
1 cup Puy or Beluga Lentils (the small lentils)
3-4 4 cups water
1 Bay Leaf, dry
1-2 Garlic Cloves, peeled, whole
1-2 tsp salt

For the Tomatoes:
1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (I have used ripe Roma Tomatoes, cut in 1 inch cubes) halved
1-2 tsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

For the Dressing:
4 Tbls Olive Oil
1 Tbls Dijon Mustard
2 Tbls Lemon Juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 - 1 Tbls Honey (you can use Maple if Vegan)
The Garlic from the Lentils
Salt and Pepper

For the Salad:
1/4 - 1/2 cup Red Onion, chopped fine
1/3 - 1/2 cup Parsley Leaves, rough chop

Put the lentils to cook with the water, garlic clove and bay leaf. On medium heat bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until tender, about 15 - 20 minutes.

You can make the dressing while you wait for the lentils to cook. Preheat the oven to 350F and on a lined baking sheet put the tomatoes that you have drizzled with some oil and salt and pepper, Roast for about 15 minutes until wrinkly and tender. Once done, allow to cool slightly.

I use an immersion blender for the dressing and use the blender cup. Put all the ingredients for the dressing and pulse to emulsify well. Add salt and pepper. Save for the salad.

Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and garlic clove (you'll use in the dressing) drain the lentils into a bowl and add the tomatoes, onions and parsley. Add the dressing and toss well. Serve.

We've got a Picaña on the grill so as soon as it's ready, we'll serve it along with this salad for a wonderful summer meal. Enjoy!

NOTE: You can substitute or add many things to this salad, like roasted peppers, roasted fruit like pears, roasted carrots, beets, onions and asparagus or avocado



. You can add cheese or greens, serve with tuna or other protein if desired. A very flexible salad that also take a different dressing if you like such as Balsamic or your favorite.