Hearty Lentil and Goat Cheese Salad Medley
Experience a delightful medley of flavors with this Hearty Lentil and Goat Cheese Salad Medley. This vibrant dish pairs tender lentils with fresh vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it an ideal option for summer potlucks and cookouts, where the absence of mayonnaise ensures safe storage. With the flexibility to customize the spices and herbs to match your personal taste, this salad can serve as a satisfying main course or a perfect side dish. It’s not just nutritious but also bursts with fresh flavors that transition perfectly from summer to fall, intriguing your taste buds year-round.
6
Servings
120
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lentils
1 cup (Brown lentils, rinsed)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Green onion
1 bunch (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Cucumbers
1 1/3 cups (diced, peeled)
Plum tomatoes
2/3 cup (diced, seeds optional)
Red onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh dill
2 tablespoons (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Soft fresh goat cheese
6 ounces (chilled for easier crumbling)
Lightly-toasted walnuts or pine nuts
1/4 cup (optional, with 2 tablespoons reserved for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the lentils for about 25 minutes until they are tender yet firm. Drain well and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, minced green onions, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
3
Gradually add the olive oil while continuously whisking to create a smooth dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Once the lentils have cooled, fold them into the dressing. Allow the lentils to absorb the flavors and chill for about 15 minutes.
5
After the lentils have cooled, gently fold in the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, finely-chopped red onion, dill, parsley, and minced garlic. Season again with salt and pepper based on your preference.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Right before serving, crumble the chilled goat cheese over the salad and mix gently to incorporate.
8
If using, sprinkle the lightly-toasted nuts over the top and mix them in, reserving a portion to garnish for presentation.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Lentil and Goat Cheese Salad Medley?
It is a vibrant salad featuring tender lentils, fresh vegetables, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What type of lentils should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of brown lentils, rinsed.
How long do the lentils take to cook?
Lentils should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 25 minutes until tender yet firm.
Does this salad contain mayonnaise?
No, this salad uses an oil and vinegar dressing, making it safe for summer potlucks.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cookouts?
Yes, the absence of mayonnaise ensures safe storage for outdoor events.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of red wine vinegar, minced green onions, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can I customize the herbs in this salad?
Yes, you can adjust the spices and herbs to match your personal taste.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it is satisfying enough to serve as a main course or a side dish.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for approximately 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the goat cheese?
The goat cheese should be crumbled over the salad right before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried dill or parsley for the 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies 6 ounces of soft fresh goat cheese.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
The recipe includes an optional 1/4 cup of lightly-toasted walnuts or pine nuts.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
While it contains goat cheese, it can be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a vegan substitute.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 5.5g of protein.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The salad includes diced cucumbers, plum tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
How long do the lentils need to chill in the dressing initially?
The lentils should chill in the dressing for about 15 minutes before adding the vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
Cucumbers should be peeled and diced into 1 1/3 cup portions.
What is the total fat content?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 10g of carbohydrates.
What type of mustard is used for the dressing?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used.
Why should the goat cheese be chilled before crumbling?
Chilling the goat cheese makes it easier to crumble over the salad.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 1 bunch of minced green onions.
Is this salad suitable for all seasons?
Yes, it transitions perfectly from summer flavors to fall heartiness.
What vinegar is best for the vinaigrette?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How should the walnuts or pine nuts be used for garnish?
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the nuts to sprinkle over the top for presentation.