Lentil and Apple Bow Tie Pasta Salad Delight
This vibrant and filling Lentil and Apple Bow Tie Pasta Salad Delight is a showstopper for any gathering! Packed with protein-rich lentils, crisp apples, and colorful vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and a tangy balsamic dressing elevates the flavors, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty lunch option, it's best served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful salad!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried lentils
1/2 cup (Rinse and drain)
Water
3 cups (To cook lentils)
Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
8 ounces (Cooked until al dente)
Cherry tomatoes
10 (Halved)
Scallions
4 (Chopped)
Apples
2 (Cored and diced)
Yellow pepper
1 (Seeded and diced)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (For dressing)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (Preferably white balsamic)
Fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Dried red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (For a bit of heat)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated, for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the dried lentils and water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain the lentils and set them aside to chill.
2
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled lentils, cooked bow tie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, diced apples, and diced yellow pepper. Toss gently to mix.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil leaves, minced garlic, minced parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes to create the dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
7
Before serving, take the salad out of the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
8
Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top, give it one last gentle toss, and serve. Enjoy your healthy and delicious pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lentil and Apple Bow Tie Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant, filling salad packed with protein-rich lentils, crisp apples, and colorful vegetables tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing.
How long does it take to cook the lentils for this recipe?
The dried lentils should be simmered in water for 40-45 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, minced garlic, minced parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Does this recipe contain mayonnaise?
No, this is a light, no-mayo pasta salad that uses a balsamic vinaigrette instead.
How should the lentils be prepared before cooking?
The dried lentils should be rinsed and drained before being placed in the saucepan with water.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 apples, which should be cored and diced.
What kind of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
While standard balsamic vinegar works, white balsamic vinegar is preferred for this recipe.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Should the salad be served straight from the fridge?
It is recommended to let the salad stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 cherry tomatoes that are halved.
How many scallions are required?
You will need 4 chopped scallions.
Is there any cheese in this salad?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top before serving.
What color of bell pepper is used?
One yellow pepper, seeded and diced, is used in this recipe.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What is the purpose of rinsing the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
You will need 3 cups of water for 1/2 cup of dried lentils.
What herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses fresh basil leaves and fresh parsley.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust to taste.
Should the pasta be cooked a certain way?
The bow tie pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions.
What is the best occasion for this dish?
It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, summer gatherings, or as a hearty lunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 15 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I prepare the lentils in advance?
Yes, the lentils are cooked and then set aside to chill before being combined with the other ingredients.
Is this a high-protein salad?
Yes, it is described as being packed with protein-rich lentils.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
Two cloves of garlic should be minced for the dressing.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is added as the final step just before serving.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How do I ensure the dressing coats everything evenly?
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.