Name: French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup French green lentils (or common brown or green lentils); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 large carrot, finely diced; 2 ribs celery, finely diced; 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried); 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled

Description

This French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese is a hearty and healthy dish that combines the earthy flavors of French green lentils with the creamy richness of goat cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is packed with fiber, protein, and fresh herbs. The tangy Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice dressing add an exciting burst of flavor, while the crisp vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 cup French green lentils (or common brown or green lentils)
3 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 large carrot, finely diced
2 ribs celery, finely diced
1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 oz goat cheese, crumbled

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Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Lentils: Rinse lentils thoroughly and remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender—about 25-30 minutes for French green lentils or 20-25 minutes for common brown or green lentils. Remove bay leaf, strain, and let cool.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix carrot, celery, thyme, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled lentils to the bowl with the other ingredients. Toss well to combine, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Transfer salad to a serving dish, crumble goat cheese on top, and enjoy!

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Herb Substitution: Thyme can be replaced with oregano or rosemary.
Goat Cheese Alternatives: Feta or ricotta salata can replace goat cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French