Lentil Salad with Grilled Squash and Green Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lentils
• 2 small or 1 medium sized yellow squash, sliced
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 4-5 chopped scallions

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils in a large saucepan with salted boiling water until they are tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain lentils and then rinse them under cold running water.
3. Place the cooked lentils in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until the ingredients are well combined.
5. Add parsley, cilantro, and scallions into the bowl with lentils.
6. Pour 3/4 of the vinaigrette mixture into the bowl with lentils and combine well.
7. Heat up a grill over medium heat.
8. Brush olive oil on both sides of sliced squash.
9. Grill the squash until it is lightly charred and tender, for 2-3 minutes.
10. Add the grilled squash to the bowl with lentils and toss all the ingredients together.
11. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper amounts if needed.
12. Drizzle the remainder of the vinaigrette on top of the salad and serve.

Verdict:

This lentil salad with grilled squash and green vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful choice for a meal. The combination of tender lentils, charred squash, and tangy vinaigrette is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. The fresh herbs add depth to the dish, while giving it a bright and fresh taste. It’s a filling meal that stands great on its own, but also pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions:

This salad can be served warm or cold. You can double or triple the recipe for a party or bring it to a potluck. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner side dish.