Recipe for a nourishing winter lentil salad that’s vegetarian or vegan and gluten free. 
winter lentil salad
It’s almost 2016!!! All over the world people celebrate the end of another year and the start of a new one with certain foods. Here in the US black eyed peas and of course Champagne are popular on December 31st. But in Italy, lentils are often the dish of choice. I knew I loved Italy! Lentils are one of my very favorite plant based proteins, so you will almost always find some lentil soup or lentil salad in my fridge. French green lentils work best in salads as they hold their shape well. Italians believe the coin shaped legume brings prosperity in the new year. They serve lentils with sausage on New Year’s Eve, but I whipped up a winter lentil salad for lunch today instead. 

Vegan lentil salad recipe for winter

 I added ingredients I had in my refrigerator: rainbow carrots and pomegranate arils, but this would be so delicious with roasted beets, persimmon, pear, tangerine slices, fennel shavings…

Lentil salad recipe perfect for a vegetarian winter meal
Sometimes I eat my lentil salads straight from the bowl (like when I’m ravenous after a workout!) and sometimes I lighten them up by eating over greens. This recipe is a great end of year detox dish loaded with nourishing ingredients you can feel great about. I added some ground turmeric to the dressing for an extra nutrition boost. 

Winter Lentil Salad

printer friendly recipe
By Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Published 12/30/2015
Winter Lentil Salad
Nourishing winter lentil salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider or champagne vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried turmeric
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

  1. Simmer lentils in a pot of water until tender, but not mushy, about 30-40 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, orange juice and turmeric.
  3. In your serving bowl, toss together the cooked lentils, dressing, parsley, carrots, and pomegranate. 

 *vegan option: omit the cheese

    Yield: Makes about 3 cups
    Prep Time: 5 mins.

    Cook time: 40 mins.
    Total time: 45 mins.
    Tags: lentil salad, lentils, healthy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, winter, fall