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French Lentil Salad

Earthy green lentils, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs come together in a sharp Dijon vinaigrette for a make-ahead French salad.

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French Lentil Salad plated French meal

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French Lentil Salad

Yield4
Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min

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Ingredients

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Step by step

Method

4 steps

  1. 1

    Rinse 1 cup French green lentils (du Puy if you can find them). Combine with 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth in a saucepan. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes until tender but still holding their shape — they should be firm, not falling apart. Drain and let cool a few minutes.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

  3. 3

    Add the warm lentils, 1 small carrot (finely diced), 1 celery stalk (finely diced), ¼ cup finely diced red onion, ¼ cup chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or chives. Toss gently until everything is coated.

  4. 4

    Let stand 15 minutes so the lentils drink the dressing. Taste and adjust salt. Serve warm or chilled; leftovers keep covered up to 3 days. You want a herby French lentil salad with firm lentils — not mushy porridge or a bland dry bowl.

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