The Perfect Ina Garten’s Lentil Salad Recipe For Cozy Gatherings

Lentils burst with earthy charm in this classic lentil salad recipe that blends Ina Garten’s culinary brilliance with Mediterranean flavors.

Each forkful promises a delightful dance of textures and tastes.

Vibrant herbs and tangy vinaigrette complement the hearty legumes, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and irresistible.

Robust green lentils provide a protein-packed base for this elegant salad.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease, making this recipe a weeknight dinner superhero.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with every delectable bite of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Lentil Salad

• Lentils: Hearty protein-packed legume that forms the core of this salad, choose dry green or brown lentils for best texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking lentils to perfect tenderness.
• Onion: Adds deep aromatic base flavor, select firm and fresh whole onion with no soft spots.
• Turnip: Provides subtle earthy undertone during cooking, choose small and firm root vegetable.

• Leek: Brings delicate onion-like sweetness, select bright green and white parts with crisp texture.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm and bright orange vegetables.
• Garlic: Introduces robust depth of flavor, pick fresh cloves with no green sprouts.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth binding element for salad, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Mustard: Adds tangy complexity and helps emulsify dressing, choose Dijon for smooth consistency.
• Vinegar: Introduces bright acidic balance, select high-quality white or red wine vinegar.
• Butter: Brings creamy richness to lentil mixture, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth, freshly ground provides best flavor.

Tools for Cooking Lentils Perfectly Every Time

• Sauté Pan: Medium-sized pan for cooking leeks and carrots.
• Large Saucepan: Used for boiling and simmering lentils with water and vegetables.
• Cutting Board: For chopping leeks, carrots, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Small Bowl: For whisking dressing ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: To mix lentils with cooked vegetables.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate olive oil and water measurements.
• Whisk: To blend dressing ingredients smoothly.

Instructions for Building a Hearty Salad Bowl

Cozy Garden Lentil Comfort

• Vegetable Sauté Green and Orange Softness

Gently warm olive oil in a pan and welcome leek and carrot slices. Let them dance and soften together, creating a fragrant foundation for your salad.

• Garlic Whisper

Drop tiny garlic pieces into the warm pan, letting them release their aromatic charm for a quick moment.

• Lentil Bath

Combine lentils with water and a whole onion studded with cloves. Add a turnip for extra depth. Let everything simmer slowly until lentils become tender but still hold their shape. Discard the onion and turnip after cooking.

• Mixing Magic

Transfer warm lentils to a beautiful serving bowl. Fold in the sautéed vegetables and a touch of butter, creating a rich and comforting texture.

• Zesty Dressing

Create a silky vinaigrette by blending olive oil, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour this liquid gold over the lentils and stir gently.

• Final Touch

Allow the salad to rest and cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve at a warm temperature that feels like a gentle hug.

Optional Mix-Ins Like Feta, Walnuts, or Tomatoes

• Toss fresh chopped parsley, dill, or thyme into the lentil salad for an aromatic boost of flavor and freshness.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, add grilled chicken, or mix in toasted almonds for extra protein and texture.
• Swap traditional vinegar with red wine vinegar or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Store the lentil salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions That Make It Shine

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette or artisan sourdough to scoop up the hearty lentil salad, creating a perfect balance of textures and soaking up the delicious mustard vinaigrette.
• Serve as Side Dish: Complement grilled chicken, roasted fish, or seared steak with this flavorful lentil salad, adding a nutritious and vibrant element to your main course.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or dill over the lentils just before serving to add a bright, fresh layer of flavor and a pop of green color.
• Chill for Picnic Perfect: Refrigerate the salad for a few hours to let the flavors meld, making it an excellent portable dish for outdoor lunches, potlucks, or summer gatherings.

Store & Chill: Lentil Storage Basics

• Store Smart, Eat Fresh
• Refrigerate Quickly: Transfer leftover lentil salad into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Shelf Life: Enjoy the salad within 3-4 days when properly refrigerated, keeping the flavors and texture at their best quality.
• Revive Before Serving: Gently stir the salad and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its original taste and consistency.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the texture might change slightly, so it's recommended to consume fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Vibrant Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s French lentil salad blends Mediterranean flavors with hearty legumes. Crisp vegetables and tangy vinaigrette create a refreshing dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) French green Le Puy lentils
• 1 whole onion, peeled and stuck with 6 whole cloves
• 1 white turnip, cut in half
• 2 carrots, scrubbed and ½-inch diced
• 1 leek, white and light green parts, sliced ¼-inch thick
• 2 tbsps plus ¼ cup (80 ml) good olive oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over moderate heat. Gently cook leeks and carrots until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
2. Lentil Preparation: In a large pot, combine lentils with water, whole clove-studded onion, and diced turnip. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils approach tender consistency.
3. Lentil Processing: Discard the clove-studded onion and turnip pieces. Drain lentils thoroughly using a colander, ensuring minimal residual liquid.
4. Flavor Incorporation: Transfer drained lentils to a mixing bowl. Integrate the sautéed leek and carrot mixture, folding in melted butter to distribute evenly.
5. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly emulsified.
6. Final Composition: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the lentil mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution. Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Serving: Present the lentil salad at warm or room temperature, showcasing the harmonious blend of textures and seasonings. Adjust salt and pepper to personal preference if needed.

Notes

• Vegetable Softening Technique: Sauté leeks and carrots gently to create a flavor base without burning, which develops a subtle sweetness and prevents bitter undertones.
• Lentil Cooking Precision: Monitor lentil tenderness carefully during simmering to avoid overcooking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture that maintains structural integrity.
• Flavor Infusion Strategy: Let the salad rest for 15 minutes after dressing to allow vinaigrette to penetrate lentils, creating a more complex and harmonious taste profile.
• Temperature Flexibility: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature to optimize flavor development and maintain the salad’s delicate texture and aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg