Mediterranean Style Roasted Red Pepper and Lentil Salad

French green lentils are tossed with diced vegetables and a tangy homemade vinaigrette in this lovely summer salad.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 480 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 cup French green lentils
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 small shallots, coarsely chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 1.5 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1.5 large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 0.5 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 2

Toss red pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until the peppers are very soft and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes. Allow peppers to cool, then dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Combine lentils and cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, add a pinch of salt, and simmer, covered, until the lentils are just tender to the bite, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Transfer cooled lentils to the mixing bowl.

Step 4

Gently mix in the onion, celery, carrots, and parsley. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 5

Combine the Dijon mustard, chopped shallots, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Blend on High for 10 seconds. Gradually add olive oil and blend again until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over lentils and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Taste the salad and add remaining dressing if desired.