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Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette

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I wonder how many thousands of Italian kitchens will have lentils as the star of their New Year’s Day feast? My guess is many! And I’m hoping this Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette makes it to the menu!

Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette ciaochowbambina.com

*I first posted this recipe four years ago today. In preparation for our New Year’s Day celebration, I perused my archives and re-discovered this beauty, and decided that a re-share was in order. This is soooo good!*

A popular addition to many dishes, lentils are considered good luck in Italian households.

Why?

Legend has it that when boiled, lentils (with their coin-like appearance) plump with water symbolizing growing wealth and hope for a prosperous new year. Plus – It also doesn’t hurt that lentils are a ‘rich’ source of essential nutrients.

So, if you’re looking to kick off your year on a delicious and mega-healthy note – this Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette, loaded with flavor, dietary fiber, and protein, is for you!

Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette ciaochowbambina.com

In my last post I mentioned that I wouldn’t be returning until January, but I couldn’t resist sharing this tasty recipe. As a result of spending a few days in Lake Placid over Christmas, we dined in from one of our favorite restaurants, and Chels and I shared their lentil salad. I knew immediately it would be the first dish I recreate upon returning home.

Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette ciaochowbambina.com

I hope you guys like it as much as we did!

Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette ciaochowbambina.com

Here’s wishing you a healthy and prosperous new year! And to a salad that just might help on both fronts!

 

If you decide to give this salad a try – I’d love your feedback and photos! Tag @ciaochowbambina on Instagram, or share to my Pinterest and Facebook page!

 

MORE SOUPS AND SALADS:

Broccoli White Cheddar Soup with Cornbread Croutons

Hearty Lemon Chicken Stew

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Italian Winter Salad

Wintery Greens with Avocado, Berries, Pistachios & Tahini Dressing

 

Buon Appetito!

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Lentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
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Description

I wonder how many thousands of Italian kitchens will have lentils as the star of their New Year’s Day feast? My guess is many!

Ingredients

Scale
  • Lentils
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/2 lb. green lentils
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Salad
  • Mixed greens
  • Cooked lentils
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped green olives
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese
  • 1/2 – 1 cup Walnuts
  • Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette
  • 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 9 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh Thyme

Instructions

  1. Place oil, garlic and onion in a medium sauce pot over medium heat.
  2. Cook until the garlic and onion just begin to sweat, releasing aroma but not changing color.
  3. Add rinsed lentils, 2 cups of water and bouillon to pot.
  4. Bring to a boil then lower heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are plump and soft, while still maintaining a bite.
  5. Remove from stove top and add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In the meantime prepare dressing.
  7. Stir vinegar, lemon juice and mustard in a small bowl.
  8. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. Gradually whisk in oil and add thyme leaves.
  10. Season to taste.
  11. In a large bowl combine 3 large handfuls of mixed greens with chopped scallions, red peppers, olives and lentils.
  12. Top with dressing, Feta and walnuts.
  13. Serve.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. After all the sugar I consumed last month, I’ve been craving salads like crazy. I don’t use lentils often, but I definitely need to try! This looks so perfect!

    Reply

  3. Love this yummy recipe! We eat black-eyed peas and greens in my household each new year. Next year I’ll celebrate the New Year like an Italian and make your lentil salad! Well actually, I won’t be able to wait until then so I’ll make it way before. Happy New Year to you and the family 🙂

    Reply

    • I am with you, friend…who couldn’t use a little good fortune? Thanks for stopping by with a kind word! Happy New Year, Sherri!

      Reply

  6. I am such a lentil fan, Annie – and I never knew they brought you luck. Will need to make a big pot and make this salad very soon – since we can all use a little luck! Just love the combination of roasted red peppers, walnuts and feta! Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!

    Reply

  10. Annie – I learned something new today and I have you to thank – I did not know that lentils were a staple in Italian dishes around the New Year. I always assumed lentils were a staple in South Asian homes till today.
    BTW – Your salad sounds wonderful – lovely blending of flavors! Happy new Year BTW!

    Reply

    • Oh yes…a little luck’s always a good thing! Especially when it comes in the form of awesome food! Am I right?! Thanks, Rachel! Wishing you a lovely new year, my dear!! 🙂

      Reply

  15. After a crapy 2015, I need ALL the good luck for 2016 I can get! Thinking I should eat a serving sized bowl of this salad! 😉 which would totally be my pleasure, since it sounds and looks incredibly delicious! I love lentils, but I had no clue they were an Italian good luck charm for the new year! Thanks for sharing this, Annie, I’ll definitely be making this tomorrow! Cheers, doll and warm wishes to you and your family for a beautiful New Year! Xo

    Reply

  17. I can just feel all that rich goodness permeating every inch of my body — and believe me after the foods I’ve been sampling I need all those healthy nutrients!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe — I’ll just dream of being at Lake Placid. Have a wonderful New Years Eve and may this New Year bring you everything you wish for. Hugs!!

    Reply

    • I loved the photos of your hubby fishing for dinner over the holiday! May you have a blessed year, my friend!

      Reply

  18. I had never heard that legend about lentils before. Just another reason to eat them. I love lentils on salads, and this one looks scrumptious. Roasted red peppers on a salad is always a winner to me, and that vinaigrette sounds great.

    Reply

  20. I never knew that lentils symbolized such good fortune! That’s definitely something to remember! This salad looks just gorgeous, Annie. I love the the thyme in here! Sounds so flavorful and the perfect way to ring in 2016. Happy New Year, friend!

    Reply

    • Oh yes, lentils are a very big deal this time of year…and should be all year! Thank you so much, my friend! 🙂

      Reply

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