Lentil salad with croutons

Prepare a delicious lentil salad with croutons

Easy to prepare, this delicious lentil salad with croutons is a popular choice among those who enjoy lunches or light dinners that pack a powerful flavour punch. Red lentils provide a colourful base for all the incredible vegetables to decorate. With their mild nutty taste, the lentils will soak up the sweet, fresh, and spicy flavours from the marinade and ensure that every bite is rich and flavourful. Tart apple cubes add a crisp freshness that complements the soft lentils. The showstopper comes in the shapes of small, golden-brown croutons, providing a satisfying crunch and a rich, toasted flavour. Fresh pea shoots and sweet cranberries on top add colour and texture, making the serving beautiful and tempting.

Packed with cabbage and root vegetables

The combination of finely grated cabbage, carrots, and parsnips allows for a pleasant crunch while exploring fresh, earthy flavours. The cabbage brings a slightly peppery crunch, while carrots and parsnip contribute a mild sweetness. Together, they make the perfect trio to complement the soft lentils and the buttery croutons. They also balance the pronounced flavours from the marinade and dressing, so none of the flavours overpower the rest. They really do play an integral part in making this lentil salad with croutons as delicious and refreshing as it is.

Everyone loves croutons in their salads, so why not try a few more recipes that put bread to good use? Go with an avocado mousse with rye bread croutons or an indulgent cheese soup with croutons.

Creamy dressing with refreshing and sweet flavours

With just five ingredients, our creamy dressing with refreshing and sweet flavours is easy and simple to make – but that does not mean it is a minor player in the lentil salad. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The blend perfectly balances the tanginess of creme fraiche with the bright acidity of lemon juice. Along with sweet honey and the subtle warmth of the garlic, this creamy dressing ties the dish together, as it envelops everything from the tasty lentils and fresh veggies to the rich croutons. The result is a symphony of flavour and texture, all carefully crafted to satisfy your taste buds.

Perfect for picnics and on-the-go lunches

Going on a trip with friends and family can easily result in a lot of planning. Who brings what? Who makes the sandwiches? Throw those notions in the bin because our lentil salad with croutons is perfect for picnics and on-the-go lunches. Its ability to be served cold or at room temperature allows it to remain tasty even hours into transportation, so you can arrive at the park without worrying about the condition of your lunch. Make sure to transport and serve the lentil salad in glass jars. That way, you can all revel in the beautiful colours that layers upon layers of ingredients bring.

Experiment with different ingredients

With a lentil salad recipe, you can easily get creative and experiment with different ingredients. Go for the greens and substitute the vegetables with the ones you prefer – it is about finding the right lentil salad for you.

You can add tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, or parsley to the mix if you want to give the salad another dimension of freshness.

Consider switching from red lentils to green lentils for a more pronounced chewy texture and peppery, earthy flavour. Their flavour profile pairs perfectly with the sweet and zesty notes of the dressing and marinade, and they add a visually pleasing greenish-brown colour as well. Both green and red lentils are popular choices – just note that the cooking time is usually longer for green lentils.

For toppings, you can choose everything from nuts and seeds to delicious cheese. Go for toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture and deep flavours. A tasty choice would also be the addition of salad cheese. It will add a slightly creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavour that fits the overall profile.