Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad Recipe

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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful salad that only gets better with time, this “Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad” is the answer. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying over several days, making it a practical choice for busy schedules. Stick around to find out why this dish is such a game-changer.

Just-Keeps-Getting-Better-Lentil-Salad-Recipe

I first stumbled upon this salad’s concept through Bon Appetit magazine, which called it a great make-ahead dish. The idea of a salad that actually tastes better after a few days was interesting to me.

What makes this salad truly special is its ability to develop more decadent flavors as it rests. This is a refreshing change from typical salads that often become soggy or bland after a day.

Over the years, I’ve made countless salads, but this recipe stands out because of its vibrant, colorful ingredients and how it allows for creativity in the kitchen.

I think you’ll find this salad to be a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine. It’s simple to make and perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

Large Saucepan: I always recommend using a heavy-bottomed saucepan to boil the lentils. If you don’t have one, a deep pot works just as well.
Skillet: For toasting almonds and sautéing scallions and garlic, I prefer a cast-iron skillet for its even heating, but any medium-sized pan will do the job.
Mixing Bowl: I suggest using a large mixing bowl to toss everything together. A bigger bowl makes it much easier to combine ingredients without spilling.
Strainer: A mesh strainer is great for draining the lentils after cooking. If a mesh one isn’t available, a slotted spoon can be used to scoop out the lentils.
Knife and Cutting Board: I recommend using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to make prepping the kale, garlic, and scallions quick and efficient.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the proportions are accurate, especially for ingredients like cumin and olive oil, I always find it helpful to use measuring cups and spoons.
Wooden Spoon: I like using a wooden spoon for combining everything, as it’s gentle on the ingredients and doesn’t scratch your pans.
Zester: For the orange zest, I recommend a good-quality zester. If you don’t have one, a small grater can work in a pinch, but it won’t be as fine.

Homemade-Just-Keeps-Getting-Better-Lentil-Salad-Recipe

Lentil Salad Ingredients And Substitutions

Note: This recipe will yield approximately six servings of the Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad.

1 1/2 Cups Black Beluga or French Green Lentils: Brown lentils can work if needed, though they might get a bit softer. I wouldn’t recommend red or yellow lentils as they break down too much.
10 Oz Kale: I recommend using spinach or arugula if kale isn’t available.
1/2 Cup Raw Almonds: Walnuts or sunflower seeds work well in place of almonds.
4 Cloves Garlic (Sliced): If you’re out of fresh garlic, I suggest garlic powder or minced shallots.
3 Scallions (Chopped): Red onions or shallots are a good alternative. Red onions will be stronger, so use less, while shallots are a sweeter alternative.
1 Lemon (Juiced): Bottled lemon juice is an easy alternative, but I suggest using white wine or apple cider vinegar for a tangier kick if fresh lemons aren’t available.
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I recommend avocado oil for a similar richness or grapeseed oil if you want something more neutral.
1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper is a good alternative for heat, but since it’s spicier, start with a smaller amount.
1 Tablespoon Cumin Seeds: If cumin seeds aren’t handy, I suggest ground cumin. You’ll get the same flavor, just without the crunch of whole seeds.
5 Oz Feta: Goat cheese is a good alternative for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, try vegan feta, which mimics the saltiness without the sharp flavor.
1 Cup Castelvetrano Olives: I suggest Kalamata olives if you need a substitute. They’re more intense, so use a bit less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Orange Zest: If you don’t have oranges, lemon zest also works.
1 Teaspoon Salt

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
5 Minutes	25 Minutes	30 Minutes

How To Make Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad At Home

Step 1

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the lentils until tender.

Step 2

While it cooks, heat oil in a skillet and sauté the scallions and garlic.

Step 3

Stir in the roughly chopped almonds.

Step 4

Add red pepper flakes, cumin seeds, and orange zest, and cook until the almonds are browned.

Step 5

Now strain the mixture, transfer it to a bowl, and season with salt.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped kale.

Step 7

Add the olives, almond mixture, and feta to the kale.

Step 8

Mix everything well, adjusting with more salt and lemon juice to taste.

Step 9

Then, gently fold in the cooked lentils.

Step 10

Your Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad is now ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

To enhance the flavor of the salad, I recommend toasting the almonds lightly. This step brings out their nutty essence and adds a satisfying crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re golden and aromatic.
A splash of high-quality balsamic vinegar just before serving introduces a rich, tangy depth to the salad. I highly recommend trying this final touch to enhance the overall complexity of the dish.
I recommend finely chopped fresh herbs such as basil or mint to add a fresh burst of flavor. This simple addition makes the salad feel even more vibrant and lively.
I suggest adding a few capers or a dash of anchovy paste to create a more complex flavor profile. These ingredients can provide an umami boost that enriches the overall taste.
To make the salad even more delicious, I recommend making the salad ahead of time and chilling it in the fridge for an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and develop beautifully.

FAQs About Just Keeps Getting Better Lentil Salad Recipe

How do you handle excess liquid in your salad?

If you notice excess liquid in your salad, it could be due to the vegetables or lentils releasing moisture. To manage this, drain any excess liquid before mixing the salad or adjust the recipe by using less liquid in the dressing. Letting the salad sit for a bit can also help excess moisture evaporate.

Why does your lentil salad taste bland?

If your lentil salad tastes bland, it may be due to a lack of seasoning or improper flavor balance. Ensure you’re using enough salt and spices throughout the cooking process. Adding extra fresh herbs, a splash of lemon juice, or additional seasoning can help brighten the salad. Adjusting the amount of cumin or red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor.

How can you prevent the lentils from becoming mushy?

To prevent mushy lentils, cook them until tender but still firm, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. Black beluga or French green lentils are ideal for maintaining their shape. Rinsing lentils before cooking to remove excess starch can also help avoid a mushy texture.

What should you do if your almonds aren’t browning?

If your almonds aren’t browning, it might be because the heat isn’t high enough. Ensure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the almonds. Cooking them over medium to medium-high heat should help them brown evenly. Stir frequently to avoid burning and to ensure even toasting.

Why is your kale not getting as tender as expected?

If your kale isn’t becoming tender, it might be due to not massaging or seasoning it enough. Try massaging the kale with a bit of salt or lemon juice to help break down its toughness. Allowing it to sit with the dressing for a few minutes can also help it soften and absorb flavors.

How can you fix an overly acidic lentil salad?

If your lentil salad is too acidic, it might be because of too much lemon juice or vinegar. To balance the acidity, you can add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. Adding more cooked lentils or a bit of extra olive oil can also help mellow out the flavors.

Why are your lentils not absorbing the flavors well?

If your lentils aren’t absorbing flavors, it could be because they were cooked without enough seasoning or spices. Make sure to season the lentils during cooking. Also, mixing the lentils with the salad ingredients while still warm can help them absorb more flavor from the other ingredients.

How can you adjust the texture if the salad is too dry?

If your salad is too dry, consider adding a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to moisten it. You can also mix in extra lemon juice or a bit of vegetable broth to improve the texture. Tossing the salad well can help distribute the added moisture evenly.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This salad is a healthy option, offering a good dose of protein from lentils and healthy fats from olive oil and almonds. It’s also rich in fiber, thanks to the kale and lentils, making it a nutritious choice that can be enjoyed on a regular basis without worrying too much about the calories.

Calories	506 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	20 g
Fat	34 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4 g
Monounsaturated Fat	21 g
Trans Fat	0.002 g
Cholesterol	21 mg
Sodium	655 mg
Potassium	347 mg
Fiber	15 g
Sugar	2 g
Vitamin A	5037 IU
Vitamin C	58 mg
Calcium	333 mg
Iron	6 mg

This dish is suitable for those following balanced diets and enjoying wholesome meals. However, it might not be ideal for vegan, keto, low-carb, or paleo diets due to the lentils’ carbohydrate content.

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Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Vegan Diet: Simply omitting the feta. For a similar creamy texture, you might try adding a handful of vegan cheese crumbles or a spoonful of tahini. This will keep the salad hearty and satisfying without the dairy.
Low-Carb/Keto Diet: Reduce the amount of lentils or replacing them with a lower-carb alternative like cauliflower rice. This will help keep the carb count down while still providing a flavorful and filling salad.
Paleo Diet: Replace the feta with a handful of nuts or seeds for crunch and protein.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigeration: To store this salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. I prefer using a glass container as it keeps the salad crisp and prevents any odors from transferring.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad since the kale and lentils can lose their texture when thawed. However, if you absolutely need to, do so before adding feta and olives and store it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay for up to a month.

Reheating

Stovetop/Oven Method: I prefer to reheat this lentil salad in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps retain the texture of the lentils and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Microwave Method: I wouldn’t recommend microwaving as it tends to make the nuts and kale lose their crunch. However, if you are in a rush, you can warm the salad in the microwave for just 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Hummus with veggie sticks provides a tasty and healthy side. The creamy hummus and fresh vegetables make for a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment.
Grilled Chicken: I recommend pairing this salad with grilled chicken. The lean protein complements the lentils and adds a satisfying element to the meal.
Stuffed Peppers: For a hearty and colorful addition, try serving this salad alongside stuffed bell peppers. The flavors blend beautifully, and the peppers add a crunchy contrast.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: I suggest roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness. Their caramelized edges provide a nice balance to the salad’s savory elements.
Herbed Lamb Chops: For a richer option, consider serving this salad with herbed lamb chops. The robust flavors of the lamb and the salad’s vibrant taste create a delightful combination.
Greek Yogurt with Cucumber: I’d recommend Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber on the side. It adds a refreshing and creamy contrast that complements the salad’s textures.

Printable Version

More Salad Recipes That You Can Try

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Ice Water Salad — Jamie Oliver Potato Salad

Conclusion

I wasn’t really a fan of salads, but this lentil salad has me hooked with its vibrant combination of lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.

I highly encourage you to give this delicious recipe a go. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a tasty, make-ahead option, this salad has got you covered.

Once you’ve tried and tasted it, feel free to come back and leave a comment and let me know how your version turned out! I’d love to hear about your experience and any tweaks you made to personalize the recipe. I will be back soon with more tasty recipes, so stay tuned!