Growing up in the countryside of southern France, I have so many fond memories of summer picnics with my family. One of my absolute favorite dishes that my grandma would prepare was her famous French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes. The way the earthy lentils complemented the juicy, sweet tomatoes was simply divine. I can still picture myself as a little girl, sitting on the grass under the shade of a big oak tree, eagerly waiting to dig into that colorful, refreshing salad. The perfect blend of flavors and textures always made it the star of the show.
Even now, as an adult, whenever I make this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes, it takes me right back to those carefree summer days. The aroma of the freshly chopped herbs, the satisfying crunch of the vegetables, and the tangy dressing – it’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite. This dish has become a staple in my own kitchen, and I love sharing it with friends and family. It’s the kind of recipe that everyone seems to devour and immediately ask for seconds.
Why This French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
What makes this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is to treat the lentils just right – not too mushy, but not too firm either. By simmering them until they’re tender yet still hold their shape, you’ll end up with a wonderfully satisfying base for the salad. And the cherry tomatoes? Well, they bring a burst of sweetness and juiciness that simply can’t be beaten.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lentils: The heart of this dish, French lentils are the perfect choice for their earthy, slightly peppery flavor and firm texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a delightful sweetness to balance the lentils.
- Onion: Finely chopped red onion provides a subtle bite and aromatic depth.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Herbs: A blend of fresh parsley, basil, and chives lends a vibrant, herbal note.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil forms the base of the tangy, zesty dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and adds a refreshing tanginess.
Step-by-Step French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Instructions
Preparing Your French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is a breeze to put together, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a medium saucepan, a sharp knife, and a large mixing bowl to get started.
1- Begin by rinsing the lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and picking out any stones or debris. Transfer the lentils to the saucepan and cover with 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the lentils simmer for 15-20 minutes, until tender but still holding their shape.
2- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the red onion and garlic. Chop the fresh parsley, basil, and chives.
3- Once the lentils are cooked, drain them well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Allow them to cool slightly, then add the sliced cherry tomatoes, diced onion and garlic, and chopped herbs.
4- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
6- Serve the French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a few extra herb sprigs if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is to not overcook the lentils. You want them to be tender but still maintain a bit of firmness, so keep a close eye on them during the simmering process.
Another pro tip is to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld and the lentils to soak up the dressing.
Finally, be sure to use the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes you can find for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
Serving and Storing Your French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
Perfect Pairings for French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes makes a fantastic light lunch or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a protein-packed meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying feast.
For beverages, a chilled white wine, a refreshing iced tea, or a tangy lemonade would all be delightful companions to this salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and meld even further, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
To store, simply transfer the salad to an airtight container. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
Creative French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Variations
For a seasonal twist, try swapping the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as mint, cilantro, or dill.
Another variation is to add a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy element. Or, for a heartier meal, stir in some cooked quinoa or bulgur wheat.
Making French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Diet-Friendly
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by omitting the optional feta cheese.
To make it low-carb, you can replace the lentils with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. For a paleo or Whole30 version, simply swap the olive oil dressing for a lemon-garlic vinaigrette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of lentil instead of French lentils?
A: While French lentils are the best choice for their firm texture and earthy flavor, you can certainly use other lentil varieties like brown, green, or even red lentils. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Q: How long should I cook the lentils?
A: The key is to simmer the lentils until they’re tender but still hold their shape, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness by tasting a few.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes actually gets better with a little time, as the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it up to 4 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 4-6 servings, depending on whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side. If serving as a side, it should easily feed 6 people.
Q: What if I don’t like one of the ingredients?
A: Feel free to customize this French lentil salad to your taste. You can omit or substitute any of the vegetables, herbs, or seasonings as desired.
French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the secrets to making a delectable and nutritious French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes. This vibrant and protein-packed dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 cup French green lentils
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Notes
– For a heartier meal, serve the salad over a bed of greens or with crusty bread.
– Swap out the cherry tomatoes for other seasonal veggies, such as diced cucumber or bell peppers.
– Experiment with different herbs, like basil or cilantro, to change up the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Conclusion
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is a true summertime delight – it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of hearty lentils, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a salad that’s both nutritious and downright delicious.
I hope this recipe transports you to a sunny, carefree picnic in the French countryside, just like it does for me. Give it a try and let me know what you think – I’m sure it will quickly become a new family favorite. Bon appétit!
