Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe is fresh, bright and full of flavor. It is a simple dish but feels very special. You can serve it warm or cold. It also works great for meal prep.
This Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe is packed with veggies, herbs and a bold dressing. You will love each bite. Today, I will show you how to make it at home. I will also share the ingredients for Ina Garten Lentil Salad and my best tips.
My Experience With This Recipe
I love this salad so much. It feels light but still fills you up. The lentils stay firm and hold their shape. The dressing brings so much life to the dish. I enjoy making it for lunch or dinner.
It also tastes even better the next day. My family loves it too. It is one of my go-to healthy dishes. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Lentil Salad
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 240 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lentil Salad
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Lentils
Rinse the lentils. Boil with water and bay leaf until tender but firm.
2. Drain the Lentils
Remove the bay leaf. Drain the lentils well to remove extra water.
3. Prepare the Veggies
Chop the onion, carrot and celery into small even pieces for easy eating.
4. Make the Dressing
Mix olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, parsley and thyme in a bowl.
5. Combine Everything
Add lentils and chopped veggies to a large bowl. Pour dressing over them.
6. Toss the Salad
Mix gently with a spoon. Coat each lentil with the bright dressing.
7. Rest the Salad
Let the salad sit for ten minutes. This helps it absorb more flavor.
8. Serve the Salad
Serve warm or chilled. Add extra herbs if you want more color.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lentil Salad
- Use French green lentils for firm texture.
- Do not overcook the lentils.
- Add dressing while lentils are warm.
- Chill the salad for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for best taste.
- Cut veggies into even small pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use mushy lentils.
- Do not skip the dressing rest time.
- Do not use too much salt early.
- Do not use old herbs with dull flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This lentil salad works with many meals. You can serve it as a light lunch with bread. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, fish or roasted veggies.
It makes a great picnic dish because it stays fresh for hours. You can also enjoy it as a healthy dinner bowl by adding greens or avocado.
Variations You Can Try
- Add feta cheese.
- Add roasted red peppers.
- Use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
- Add chopped spinach.
- Add cherry tomatoes.
- Add toasted nuts for crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight box.
- Keep in the fridge for four days.
- Stir before eating again.
- Reheat lightly or eat cold.
- Add fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 11g |
Health Benefits
This salad is very healthy. Lentils give plant protein and fiber. The veggies add vitamins and minerals. Olive oil gives healthy fats.
Fresh herbs add antioxidants. This dish keeps you full and gives energy. It is a great option for clean eating.
Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Lentils
- Rinse the lentils. Boil with water and bay leaf until tender but firm.
Drain the Lentils
- Remove the bay leaf. Drain the lentils well to remove extra water.
Prepare the Veggies
- Chop the onion, carrot and celery into small even pieces for easy eating.
Make the Dressing
- Mix olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, parsley and thyme in a bowl.
Combine Everything
- Add lentils and chopped veggies to a large bowl. Pour dressing over them.
Toss the Salad
- Mix gently with a spoon. Coat each lentil with the bright dressing.
Rest the Salad
- Let the salad sit for ten minutes. This helps it absorb more flavor.
Serve the Salad
- Serve warm or chilled. Add extra herbs if you want more color.
Notes
- Use French green lentils for firm texture.
- Do not overcook the lentils.
- Add dressing while lentils are warm.
- Chill the salad for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for best taste.
- Cut veggies into even small pieces.
FAQs about Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe
1. Can I use brown lentils instead of French lentils?
Yes, you can use brown lentils, but they may become softer. French lentils stay firm and give a better texture for this salad.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better the next day. The flavors blend more as it rests, making it a great meal-prep option.
3. Can I freeze this lentil salad?
Freezing is not ideal because the lentils may turn mushy after thawing. It is best to store it in the fridge only.
4. How can I make the salad more filling?
You can add roasted veggies, cheese, nuts or grilled chicken. These additions make the salad richer and more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe is fresh, simple and full of flavor. It is easy to make and great for any day.
If you want a healthy and tasty dish, this salad is perfect for you. Try it today and enjoy a bright bowl of goodness.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!