Growing up, I have such fond memories of my grandma’s French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes. It was a dish she’d make every summer when the tomatoes were at their peak, and the whole family would gather around her table to enjoy it. The way the bright, juicy tomatoes would burst in your mouth, complemented by the earthy lentils and tangy dressing – it was pure bliss. To this day, the scent of that French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes takes me right back to those lazy summer afternoons, the sunlight streaming through the kitchen windows as we’d linger over the meal, savoring every bite. It’s a recipe that’s always been a staple in our household, and one that I’ve carried on making for my own family. And let me tell you, this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is about to become your new go-to dish too.
Why This French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
The secret to this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is all in the dressing. While the lentils and tomatoes provide the foundation, it’s the simple yet flavor-packed vinaigrette that really makes this dish shine. By combining fragrant shallots, tangy red wine vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard, you end up with a dressing that beautifully coats each component, bringing everything together in perfect harmony. The result is a salad that’s bursting with flavor in every bite – it’s no wonder it’s become a summertime staple in my household.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes, you’ll need:
- French green lentils – These tiny, earthy legumes are the star of the show, providing a hearty texture and nutrient-dense base.
- Cherry tomatoes – Vibrant, juicy cherry tomatoes in a variety of colors add pops of freshness and sweetness.
- Shallot – Finely minced shallot lends a subtle onion flavor and aromatic punch to the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar – Tangy red wine vinegar balances the richness of the lentils and brightens up the entire dish.
- Dijon mustard – A spoonful of Dijon mustard emulsifies the dressing and gives it a delightful creaminess.
- Olive oil – High-quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the vinaigrette, providing a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
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 comes together quickly, making it the perfect choice for a light and refreshing summer meal. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that’s sure to impress.
1- Begin by cooking the French green lentils according to package instructions, typically simmering them in water or broth for 15-20 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
2- While the lentils are cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and mince the shallot. Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4- Once the lentils are cooked, drain and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process. Add the lentils to the bowl with the tomatoes and shallot.
5- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6- Allow the French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes to sit for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together, before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes turns out perfectly every time, keep a few pro tips in mind:
- Use French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, for their firm texture and earthy flavor. Regular brown or green lentils can get mushy.
- Don’t overcook the lentils – you want them to be tender but still retain a slight bite.
- Let the salad sit for a bit before serving, as this allows the dressing to fully incorporate and the flavors to develop.
- For the best texture, try to avoid cutting the cherry tomatoes too small – you want them to retain their juicy, bursting quality.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more vinegar for tanginess or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
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 for a wonderfully light and refreshing main dish, but it also shines as a side. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic choice for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings, as it travels well and pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crisp greens, or a chilled glass of white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is that it keeps incredibly well. You can make it a day or two in advance, and it will only improve in flavor as the ingredients have more time to mingle. Simply store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to recombine the flavors. This make-ahead versatility makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
Creative French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Variations
While the classic version of this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try adding diced cucumber, crumbled feta, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill for extra flavor and texture. In the fall, you could swap the cherry tomatoes for roasted butternut squash or apples. And for a heartier meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted nuts and seeds.
Making French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Diet-Friendly
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is already a naturally healthy and diet-friendly dish, as it’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and a rainbow of vitamins and minerals. To make it even more accommodating, you can easily adapt it to suit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply omit any bread or croutons. To make it vegan, skip the optional feta cheese. And for a low-carb spin, serve the salad over a bed of leafy greens instead of as a standalone dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lentils instead of French green lentils?
A: While you can use regular brown or green lentils, I highly recommend sticking with French green lentils (also known as Puy lentils) for the best texture and flavor in this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes. The French lentils hold their shape better and have a slightly more earthy, peppery taste that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Q: How long do I need to cook the lentils?
A: The cooking time for the lentils can vary a bit depending on the brand, but generally, you’ll want to simmer them for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender but still retain a slight bite. Be sure to check the package instructions and taste the lentils as they cook to ensure they reach the perfect texture.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to recombine the flavors and textures.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish, or 6-8 as a side. The quantities can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What if I don’t like raw onions? Can I substitute something else?
A: If you’re not a fan of raw onions, you can try substituting finely diced shallot or even a small amount of minced garlic in the dressing. Alternatively, you can sauté the shallot briefly before adding it to the salad to mellow the flavor.
French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
This French Lentil Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful, flavor-packed dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Featuring tender lentils, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s the perfect lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 cup French lentils, rinsed
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan, cover the lentils with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until lentils are tender. Drain and let cool.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil.
3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4. Pour the vinaigrette over the lentil salad and toss gently to coat.
5. 5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
– For a heartier meal, serve the lentil salad over a bed of mixed greens or with a side of crusty bread.
– Customize the salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
– To make it vegan, omit the Dijon mustard or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Conclusion
This French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is a true summertime gem – it’s light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The secret is in the simple yet irresistible vinaigrette, which coats the tender lentils and juicy tomatoes to create a dish that’s both satisfying and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side, or bringing it to a potluck, this French lentil salad with cherry tomatoes is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and get ready to add it to your regular summer rotation. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!
