Beet & Walnut Lentil Salad

Beet & Walnut Lentil Salad

by Dishing Up the Dirt

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 40 minutes  |  Serves: 4

Salad

• 4 medium sized beets, quartered (no need to peel)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 cup French green lentils or brown lentils
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (+ additional to taste for more of a bite)
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Toss the beets with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven until fork tender, about 25 minutes (times will very depending on the size of your beets). Toss the beets halfway through cooking.
2. Heat a small dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and toast, shaking the pan often, until they’re golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and when cool enough to handle, roughly chopped the walnuts.
3. Rinse the lentils and discard any pebbles. Place the lentils, onion and bay leaf in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, 25-30 minutes. Add liquid as needed. Once the lentils are tender discard the onion and bay leaf. Drain off any excess liquid.
4. Prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together until smooth. This works best with an immersion blender or small food processor for the smoothest/creamiest texture. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
5. Toss the lentils and beets with the dressing, parsley and toasted walnuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use this recipe as a guide
• Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary

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Thanks to Dishing Up the Dirt for this amazing recipe. Check out her cookbook here.