Crimson Craze: A French Lentil & Beet Salad

This vibrant and flavorful French lentil and beet salad is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors. The tender lentils, roasted beets, and creamy goat cheese create a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a picnic, potluck, or a light summer meal, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 90 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1/2 cup Puy lentils, dry

1 cup water

1 bay leaf

4 medium beets

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 handful parsley, roughly chopped

1 small handful chives, minced   1. kaynutrition.com kaynutrition.com

For the Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, crushed and minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Roast the beets: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and loosely wrap each beet in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 1 hour, or until tender.

Cook the lentils: While the beets are roasting, add the lentils, water, and bay leaf to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the salad: Once the beets and lentils have cooled, peel the beets and cut into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the lentils, beets, red onion, parsley, and chives.

Toss and serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Top with crumbled goat cheese and serve immediately.

Tips:

For a quicker meal, you can purchase pre-roasted beets.

Feel free to add other ingredients to this salad, such as toasted walnuts, feta cheese, or a handful of spinach.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this delicious and colorful French lentil and beet salad!