Italian Lentil Salad Bursting with Flavor

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €15.28 · €2.55/serving

• 1 pound French green lentilsEst. price €3.50–€5.50
• 2 scallions, finely chopped (reserve green parts for garnish)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 cup seedless green grapes, halvedEst. price €1.80–€3.00
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halvedEst. price €1.80–€3.00
• 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and finely diced (pat dry to remove excess moisture)Est. price €0.80–€1.50
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and finely dicedEst. price €1.20–€2.00
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts, with skins removedEst. price €3.00–€5.00
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest, grated finely (use a microplane for best results)Est. price €0.10–€0.20
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (strain to remove pulp)Est. price €0.25–€0.45
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oilEst. price €2.50–€4.50

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the lentils to the pot and cook them until they are tender, stirring the lentils occasionally. This process should take approximately 18 to 20 minutes. After cooking, drain the lentils in a colander and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before using them further in your recipe.

2. 2

   In a spacious salad bowl, mix together the lentils, scallions, red grapes, green grapes, cucumber, bell pepper, hazelnuts, and lemon zest.

3. 3

   Begin by pouring lemon juice into a small bowl. Gradually incorporate the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Italian Lentil Salad is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Lentils are a staple in Italian cooking, providing a hearty and nutritious base for salads like this one.

• Seasonal note

  This Italian Lentil Salad is best made in the summer when grapes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are in season, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.

• Health note

  This salad is a nutritious powerhouse, packed with plant-based protein from lentils, healthy fats from olive oil and hazelnuts, and a good amount of fiber for digestive health. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune function, skin health, and bone strength.