Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe

This Ina Garten Lentil Salad recipe is hearty and fresh, which uses French green lentils and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a versatile salad perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a healthy side dish, ready in 50 minutes.

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Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 cup French green lentils (Le Puy lentils), rinsed
• 1 small onion, halved
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup small-diced celery
• ½ cup small-diced carrots
• ¼ cup small-diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup good olive oil

How To Make Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe

1. Cook the lentils: Place lentils, halved onion, bay leaf, and salt in a saucepan. Cover with water by 2 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until just tender. Drain and discard onion and bay leaf.
2. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
3. Assemble the salad: Transfer warm lentils to a bowl. Add celery, carrots, red onion, and herbs. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently.
4. Rest and flavor: Let salad sit 15–30 minutes to absorb flavors.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with crumbled feta, if using, and serve warm or chilled.

Recipe Tips

• Best lentils to use: French green (Le Puy) lentils hold their shape and stay firm after cooking.
• Can I make it ahead? Yes, this salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
• How to add more protein: Add feta cheese, goat cheese, or even roasted chicken.
• Can I use brown lentils? Yes, but they will be softer and less firm than French lentils.
• Flavor variations: Add chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Lentil Salad

This lentil salad pairs well with many main dishes:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Grilled salmon or shrimp
• Crusty bread with olive oil
• Mediterranean-style platters with hummus and pita

How To Store Ina Garten Lentil Salad

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as lentils lose texture after thawing.

Ina Garten Lentil Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: ~9g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~10g
• Fiber: ~8g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I serve lentil salad warm or cold?
Yes, it’s delicious both ways and can be served immediately or chilled.

Do I need to soak lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required for French green lentils; just rinse before cooking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for meal prep or large gatherings.

What herbs work best in this salad?
Parsley is classic, but dill, mint, or basil can also add great flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe
• Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad Recipe