Lentil Salad: Fall Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils and drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring lentils and 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Drain lentils and let cool for 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine lentils, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dressing over lentil salad and toss to coat.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Verdict:

This lentil salad is perfect for fall! The combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes it a tasty and satisfying side dish or light meal. The dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the earthy lentils and the crunchy apple. The added dried cranberries provide a chewy texture that adds a nice contrast to the overall dish.

Serving Suggestions:

This lentil salad pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a simple green salad. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.