Are you tired of boring, predictable side dishes that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with this mouthwatering Fingerling Potato Lentil Salad that combines rustic charm, nutritious ingredients, and bold flavors in one irresistible dish. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and culinary adventurers, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes
- 1 cup lentils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Place lentils in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- Wash the fingerling potatoes and cut any larger ones in half lengthwise to ensure uniform cooking. Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook potatoes for 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils and potatoes. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give a final gentle mix.
- Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a hearty side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm fingerling potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook lentils - they should be tender but still maintain their shape for the ideal salad consistency.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh apple cider vinegar for a more vibrant dressing.
- Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes after mixing to let the flavors develop and meld together.
- For added complexity, consider toasting some nuts like almonds or walnuts to sprinkle on top.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for additional aromatic dimensions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
