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!
*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!
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.
I hope you guys like it as much as we did!
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
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Wintery Greens with Avocado, Berries, Pistachios & Tahini Dressing
Buon Appetito!
PrintLentil, Roasted Red Pepper & Walnut Salad with Thyme Sherry Vinaigrette
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
- 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
- Place oil, garlic and onion in a medium sauce pot over medium heat.
- Cook until the garlic and onion just begin to sweat, releasing aroma but not changing color.
- Add rinsed lentils, 2 cups of water and bouillon to pot.
- 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.
- Remove from stove top and add salt and pepper to taste.
- In the meantime prepare dressing.
- Stir vinegar, lemon juice and mustard in a small bowl.
- Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in oil and add thyme leaves.
- Season to taste.
- In a large bowl combine 3 large handfuls of mixed greens with chopped scallions, red peppers, olives and lentils.
- Top with dressing, Feta and walnuts.
- Serve.
Danielle says
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!
Annie says
You and me both, my friend! Lentils are a nice alternative to chocolate chips! 🙂
mira says
I love lentils! This salad looks gorgeous! Never knew what they symbolized though! Happy New Year Annie!
Annie says
Thank you, Mira! I think you’ll really enjoy this one! Happy New Year!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
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 🙂
Annie says
I recommend you have a few trial ‘good luck’ runs well before next year! Thanks, friend! Happy New Year!
Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen says
I love lentils, and your salad is gorgeous! What a great story, who couldn’t use a little good fortune? Double the reason to have more lentils 🙂 Happy New Year!
Annie says
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!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
This salad looks so comforting. I don’t often try lentils but you have inspired me. Happy New Year to you!
Annie says
You are right on! You don’t normally think of salad as comforting…but this is. Happy New Year, Renee!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
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!
Annie says
Same to you, dear! Much love and luck for a healthy and happy new year!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
anything with lentil is always a winner in my book because I eat lentils everyday ! this salad sounds fantastic Annie, I need to make this!Happy New Year!!
Annie says
If you like lentils, you’ll love this! Thanks, friend! Happy New Year!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Happy New Year, Annie! I had no idea about the prosperous lentils! I totally need to add this salad to my list of good luck foods. I want to make that thyme sherry vinaigrette and put it on everything!
Annie says
I think you’ll love this, Rachelle! Thanks, friend! Happy New Year! 🙂
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is says
This sounds delicious, Annie! I’ve been trying to figure out ways to incorporate lentils into more dishes because I love them (but usually just end up making lentil soup) – definitely will be trying this salad asap! Also, that dressing, YUM!
Annie says
We were so excited to see this recipe on the menu! It’s a fun yummy one! Thanks Michelle! Happy New Year!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
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!
Annie says
Happy New Year, Shashi! Oh yes! It is tried true! Thanks for your kind words, friend! 🙂
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
What a beautiful salad! I love all those great colors! Happy New Year! =)
Annie says
Thank you, Shelby! Happy New Year! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
What a great idea to add lentils to a salad. It looks amazing! Happy New Year! 🙂
Annie says
Thank you, Christin! Happy New Year, dear! 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Happy New Year!! This salad looks absolutely amazing, and I love that they have lentils as a good luck charm 🙂
Annie says
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!! 🙂
Deb Farina says
Exactly what I need going into the new year. Looks fresh and clean and your photography is beautiful as always. Thanks and all the best in the New Year.
Annie says
Thank you, Deb! Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful new year! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
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
Annie says
Hope you had the chance to try it! On to 2016! We are ready!! Thanks for your warm wishes as I’m wishing them straight back to you, my dear! xoxo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Tried and true! This salad was delicious, Annie!!! Thanks for sharing! (hoping devouring this brings me lots of luck – so far so good! *knock on wood*) xoxo
Annie says
You are somethin’ else, lady! Thanks for your feedback! So happy you enjoyed them! xo
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Lentils and good fortune? I need to be eating more lentils, clearly! Delicious 🙂
Annie says
Yes! Very good fortune! Hope you’re enjoying your much earned break, my friend!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
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!!
Annie says
I loved the photos of your hubby fishing for dinner over the holiday! May you have a blessed year, my friend!
Amanda says
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.
Annie says
The vinaigrette takes it over the top! Thanks, friend! Happy New Year!
Mir says
Mmm, that looks good. I’m all about the symbolic food! And this looks fresh and beautiful. Happy New Year!
Annie says
Lots of yummy flavors and colors going on in this one! thanks, friend!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
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!
Annie says
Oh yes, lentils are a very big deal this time of year…and should be all year! Thank you so much, my friend! 🙂