Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Minted Lentil Salad with Grapes and Spinach! Packed with protein-rich lentils, sweet juicy grapes, and a burst of fresh mint, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this recipe will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate your salad game to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While lentils are cooking, prepare the other ingredients: halve the grapes, chop the spinach, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh mint.
- Once lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, halved grapes, chopped spinach, diced red onion, and chopped mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious salad.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best for this salad as they hold their shape well after cooking. Avoid red lentils, which tend to become mushy.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris or stones, ensuring a clean and tasty dish.
- Cooling Time: Allow the lentils to cool for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This prevents the spinach from wilting when mixed in, keeping your salad fresh and crisp.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. You can always adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your personal preference.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
