I’ll never forget the day I first tasted this French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes. It was a sweltering summer afternoon, and I was hosting a backyard barbecue for some friends. As they sipped on chilled rosé and chatted under the shade of the patio, I hurried around the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on my favorite summer salad. When I brought the vibrant, jewel-toned bowl to the table, the collective “ooh” and “ahh” told me I had a winner. One bite, and everyone was hooked – the earthy lentils, the juicy cherry tomatoes, the bright pop of fresh herbs. It was like a taste of summer sunshine on a fork. From that day on, this French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes became a staple at all my gatherings, a crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to delight.
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 recipe so special? It’s all in the technique. By simmering the lentils in a fragrant broth, you infuse them with incredible flavor from the start. And the secret to perfectly cooked, firm-yet-tender lentils? Letting them rest off the heat for 10 minutes before draining. This ensures they don’t get mushy or waterlogged. When you toss the lentils with the vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette, the result is a salad that’s bursting with texture and taste in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- French lentils – These small, earthy lentils hold their shape beautifully when cooked, making them perfect for salads.
- Cherry tomatoes – Look for a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes for the most visually stunning salad.
- Fresh herbs – A combination of parsley, basil, and chives adds so much freshness and flavor.
- Shallot – Finely minced shallot adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
- Olive oil and red wine vinegar – These form the base of the simple vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper – To season the salad to perfection.
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 in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect easy summer side or light main course. All you’ll need is a saucepan, a mixing bowl, and a few simple tools. Let’s get started!
1- Bring a medium saucepan of vegetable or chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Add the French lentils, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
2- Drain the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer, then return them to the saucepan. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes off the heat to finish cooking through.
3- While the lentils are resting, halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the shallot, parsley, basil, and chives.
4- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, shallot, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season generously with salt and pepper.
5- Toss everything together until well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6- Transfer the French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use French or du Puy lentils for the best texture – they hold their shape beautifully.
- Don’t overcook the lentils – you want them to be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Let the lentils rest off the heat for 10 minutes before draining – this prevents them from getting mushy.
- Use a variety of colorful cherry tomatoes for the most visually appealing salad.
- Chop the herbs just before adding them to the salad to keep them fresh and flavorful.
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 main course on its own, or it can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian entrees. It’s also a great potluck or picnic dish. I love to pair it with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, to complement the fresh, summery flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes is that it gets even better as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, I think it tastes best after sitting for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. This salad will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
Creative French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Variations
While this classic French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes is tough to beat, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding diced cucumber, crumbled feta, or toasted walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. In the fall, swap in roasted butternut squash or apples. For a heartier meal, toss in cooked quinoa or farro. The possibilities are endless!
Making French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Diet-Friendly
This French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs. To make it vegan, simply omit the optional feta cheese. For a low-carb version, use just half the amount of lentils and replace them with extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. No matter how you customize it, this versatile salad is sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular brown or green lentils instead of French lentils?
A: While you can use regular lentils, I highly recommend sticking with the French or du Puy variety. They hold their shape better and have a more earthy, robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry tomatoes.
Q: How long do I need to cook the lentils?
A: The lentils should simmer for 15-18 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Be sure to let them rest off the heat for 10 minutes before draining – this finishing touch ensures they don’t get mushy.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes actually gets better the longer the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe will serve 4-6 people as a side dish, or 2-3 as a main course. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What if I can’t find cherry tomatoes?
A: No problem! You can use regular diced tomatoes instead. Just be sure to use very ripe, flavorful ones for the best results.
French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in a delightful and nutritious French Lentil Salad brimming with the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes. This quick and easy recipe is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and fresh produce, making it a healthy and satisfying meal choice.
Ingredients
– 1 cup dry French lentils, rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain and let cool.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and basil.
3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. 4. Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss gently to coat.
5. 5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together nicely. You can also add other fresh vegetables, like diced cucumber or bell pepper, to the salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Conclusion
There’s no doubt about it – this French Lentil Salad With Cherry Tomatoes is destined to become your new summertime staple. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying textures, it’s a salad that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light main dish, this recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and let me know how much you enjoy it!
