Photo of Lentil Salad with Fresh Mint and Goat Cheese by WW

Lentil Salad with Fresh Mint and Goat Cheese

3
Points® value
Total Time
30 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
This simple side dish boasts fibre-rich lentils, creamy goat cheese and fresh mint. It's a definite keeper.

Ingredients

Dry lentils

1 cup(s), French green-variety, washed and picked over to remove debris

Bay leaf

1 leaf/leaves

Red onion

¼ cup(s), sliced, coarsely chopped

Peppermint leaves

3 tbsp(s), fresh, coarsely chopped

Table salt

¼ tsp(s), or to taste

Black pepper

¼ pinch(es), freshly ground, or to taste

Semisoft goat cheese

¼ cup(s), crumbled

Instructions

  1. Place lentils in a medium saucepan and pour over enough water to cover lentils by 2 to 3 inches. Add bay leaves, set pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, partially cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain, discard bay leaves and transfer lentils to a large bowl.
  2. While lentils are still warm, stir in onion and mint; season to taste with salt and black pepper. . Sprinkle cheese over salad just before serving; serve warm or chilled. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

Notes

If you add the cheese while the lentils are still warm, it will melt and be tasted but not visible.Turn this hearty side dish into a complete meal when you add 1/2 pound cooked medium shrimp or 2 cups diced cooked chicken.Try swapping fresh parsley for the mint leaves for a nice flavour change.