Nutrient-Dense Lentil Salad Recipe With Creamy Dijon Balsamic Dressing (8 Ingredients, 25 Minutes) High Fiber Recipes High Protein Recipes Salads Grains Gluten-free Side Dishes Low Sugar Recipes Low Sodium Recipes

Lentils have become one of my favorite ingredients. To be honest, until recently I have never used lentils in cooking or even ordered them when out. All that changed when I added lentils to my salad at Cava. Hooked! Even more so when I researched the health benefits of lentils. After eating lentils, I actually feel healthier. These edible seeds from a legume plant are a high-fiber and high-protein ingredient you need to try!

This simple lentil salad recipe with a creamy Dijon balsamic dressing is so easy and absolutely delicious. You only need eight wholesome, gluten-free ingredients to make this healthy salad recipe: dry lentils, mayonnaise or sour cream, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, celery, red onion and green onions (scallions) or fresh chives (or both!).

This high-protein and high-fiber recipe is loaded with nutrition besides the lentils! Check out the health benefits of celery, the health benefits of onion, the health benefits of green onions and the health benefits of balsamic vinegar.

This creamy low-sugar and low-sodium lentil salad can be served as a side dish with dinner or as a light, healthy and nutritious lunch or vegetarian dinner. I served mine as a side dish with a delicious meatloaf the first night, and enjoyed it over a romaine lettuce leaf the next day for lunch. Win-win.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry lentils (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream (I used mayonnaise)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 ribs celery, chopped small
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped small 
• 2 green onions, chopped, or 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (or a combination)

Here's how to make it: 

1. Cook the lentils in boiling water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. (Do not overcook. You do not want mushy lentils.) Drain well. (For an even quicker dish, you could use a can of lentils that you've rinsed and drained well.)
2. Put the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar and dried thyme into a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
3. Add the lentils, celery, red onion and green onions (or chives).
4. Gently stir to combine. Taste and add more salt, pepper or thyme, if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Store the lentil salad in an airtight container in the fridge.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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