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!
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Lentil, 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.
I’ve fully on the healthier eating train as of January 1, and this looks like the perfect way to keep it up! I love lentils! And walnuts (my fave nut). I’ll have two servings of this please and thank you!! Happy New Year!!
What a lovely salad! Such a great way to start the new year with something delicious and good for you! Hope yo had a wonderful trip and New Year!
Lentils are one of my FAVORITE foods! I love that they’re considered good luck! I’m trying this for sure–it sounds incredible. Happy New Year, Annie!
So glad you shared this salad again, Annie! Lucky Lentils for the new year is such a delicious tradition…. I make a big pot of black eyed peas! But the idea is the same. Sounds like your Christmas was lovely… sending my best for a fabulous New Years and 2020! Thank you for all that you share – I’m so happy we’ve connected 😀
I’m always craving veggies after the holidays, and this salad looks really wonderful!
Thanks, Kari! We had a monster craving too! 🙂
So cool that lentils symbolizes good luck, I love learning about fun facts like that 🙂 This salad is such a gorgeous way to serve them! So fresh and delicious!
Yeah, they add a meaty quality to the salad – gives it a nice flavor and texture. Thanks, friend!
Never knew the lentil symbolism but thanks for the lesson. This looks so hearty and healthy. Perfect for today.
Yep…pretty neat! Thanks for your kind words, Kevin! Happy New Year, my friend!
I love that lentils symbolize good luck in Italian homes!! that’s so cool!! Not sure if we Koreans have “good luck” food but we eat a lot of dumplings for the new year! Happy New Year, Annie!! this salad is gorgeous!
I know I feel lucky when I’m eating dumplings! Happy New Year, friend!