For many, Spring is a time for eating healthier and getting their bodies into “summer shape”. However, it is also a time of transition when one is able again to include more fresh vegetables on their plate after a season of root veggies and frozen/canned varieties. Whatever the motivation behind making this recipe, this fresh tomato and lentil salad is perfect for early spring.
Throughout the winter, we often make heavier dishes that include hearty starchy vegetables or meals consisting largely of carbs. Bodies need that- it’s cold out! But thankfully warmer weather is here or hopefully just around the corner for you which makes it a perfect time for healthier meal.
We like to start changing our diet during these changes in seasons by blending the food that is available and there now tends to be more and more options at most local food markets. Or maybe you are lucky enough to even have farmers markets that are open- we can’t wait for Memorial Day for that very reason.
But back to this amazing dish… Lentils are protein packed and a healthy and filling choice year-round but especially for the spring when you might be looking to shed a winter pound or two. But then you have the added bonus of the juicy tomatoes and tender avocados to add a light and refreshing taste. This salad will surely get your taste buds ready for the plethora of vegetables soon to come. We can’t wait and I’m guessing you feel the same.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday weekend if you celebrate. A promise of new life is thankfully on the way.
- Salad:
- 1 Cup Dried Green Lentils (Cooked as per Directions)
- 10-15 Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (Halved)
- 1 Avocado (Diced)
- 1 Persian Cucumber (Diced)
- 1 Spring Onion (Sliced)
- 10-15 Kalamata Olives (Halved)
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Parsley
- ----------
- Dressing:
- 1 Lemon (Juiced)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Miso Paste
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Cracked Red Pepper
- Cook the lentils as per the directions on the container. As your lentils cook, wash and prepare all fresh vegetables.
- In a small bowl Combine all the ingredients for the dressing and whisk until incorporated.
- Combine the vegetables and lentils carefully. If you mix to aggressively the lentils may become mushy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and the dressing. We like to add the dressing sparingly and even save some for leftovers if we have enough.
- Enjoy!