Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by this stunning Beet Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese - a culinary masterpiece that combines earthy lentils, sweet roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just a salad; it's a gourmet experience that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 medium beets, roasted and diced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lentils. Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the beets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the 2 medium beets thoroughly, then wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the beets. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before unwrapping. Peel the skin off the beets, then dice them into small cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and diced roasted beets. Gently toss to mix the ingredients together.
- Add the crumbled goat cheese to the bowl with the lentils and beets. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the lentil and beet mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well combined and all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together. Serve the Beet Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese either at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional walnuts or goat cheese if desired.
Tips
- Roast beets in advance: To save time, you can roast beets a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh lentils and select firm, vibrant beets for the best flavor.
- Don't overcook lentils: Aim for a tender but slightly firm texture to prevent mushy results.
- Let the salad rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize your dressing: Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or add a touch of honey for extra depth.
- Serve temperature flexibility: This salad is delicious both at room temperature and chilled, making it perfect for meal prep and picnics.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
