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Lemon Pesto Lentil Salad

Lemon Pesto Lentil Salad: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

This Lemon Pesto Lentil Salad is a delicious, nutrient-dense, vegan option that's quick and easy to prepare.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Green Lentils can be swapped with brown or black lentils
  • 2 cups Lacinato Kale or any variety of kale
  • 1 cup Divina® Frescatrano® or Castelvetrano Olives or kalamata olives for a stronger flavor
  • 1 cup Unmarinated Sun-Dried Tomatoes or roasted bell peppers
  • 1 small Shallot or yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup Marcona Almonds or regular almonds or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley or cilantro
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil substitute with 1/3 dried basil if fresh is unavailable
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts or pecans/walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast omit for nut-free version or substitute with vegan parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon White Miso or tahini
  • 1 clove Garlic or garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or use lime juice for a twist
  • 1/4 cup Cold-pressed Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup or agave syrup/honey

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • blender
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Lentils: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add green lentils, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare Vinaigrette: In a blender, combine fresh basil, parsley, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, white miso, and garlic. Add lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and maple syrup; blend until smooth.
  3. Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine massaged lacinato kale, cooled lentils, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced shallot, and Marcona almonds; toss gently.
  4. Dress and Chill: Drizzle the lemon pesto vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. Chill covered in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This salad is versatile; customize ingredients based on availability. For meal prep, store components separately until ready to serve.

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