Ingredients and Weight:
- Lentils, dried, 16 ounces
- Chicken broth, 4 cups
- Onion, 1 large, diced
- Celery, 1 stalk, diced
- Carrots, 2 medium, diced
- Green bell pepper, 1 small, diced
- Red bell pepper, 1 small, diced
- Apple, 1 medium, diced
- Feta cheese, 1 cup, crumbled
- Chopped walnuts, 1 cup
- Dried cranberries, 1 cup
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup
- Red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon
- Honey, 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Rinse the lentils and pick over them for any debris.
- In a large pot, combine the lentils, chicken broth, onion, celery, carrots, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Drain the lentils and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add the apple, feta cheese, walnuts, cranberries, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss to combine and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Colorful, crunchy, and well-balanced
- Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins
- Versatile and can be served as a main course or side dish
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
User Comments:
- "This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients! I love the combination of sweet and savory ingredients."
- "I've been experimenting with different lentil salad recipes, and this one is by far my favorite. It's so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser."
- "This dish is a healthy and satisfying way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber. The dressing is particularly delicious."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- For a vegan version, replace the feta cheese with crumbled tofu.
- To save time, you can use canned lentils instead of dried lentils. Just be sure to rinse them before using.
- Add other vegetables to the salad, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- If the salad is too thick, add a little bit of olive oil or water to thin it out.
