Best Mustardy Beetroot Lentil Salad Recipes

Lentil Beet Salad image

Provided by Gena Hamshaw

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 medium or 3 large beets, trimmed and scrubbed
olive or avocado oil, for rubbing the beets
1 cup (200 g) dry lentils, picked over and soaked for 1 hour ((you can use French, brown, green, pardina, or beluga lentils))
A few handfuls torn baby arugula leaves
2 tablespoons snipped chives ((optional))
Fresh bread or toast, for serving
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons champagne, sherry, or red wine vinegar ((substitute lemon juice))
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 small, finely minced garlic clove ((optional))
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400F. Rub all of the beets with a light coating of olive oil. Wrap each beet tightly in foil or parchment. Roast the beets for 45 minutes-1 hour, or until they're buttery tender when pierced with a knife. When the beets have cooled for about fifteen minutes, run them under cold water while you slip off their skins. The skins should come off easily. Chop the roasted, skinned beets into pieces that are about 1" (or a little smaller).
While the beets are roasting, bring a pot of water to boil. Drain the lentils of their soak water, then add them to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer the lentils for 25-30 minutes, or until they're tender but still hold their shape. Drain the lentils, taking care to remove as much cooking water as possible so that they're not watery when you add them to the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Add the prepared beets, lentils, and dressing to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine. Add the baby arugula and chives, if using. Toss again, gently. Serve the lentil beet salad with your favorite toast or bread.

Beet and Lentil Salad With Cheddar image

Provided by Hetty McKinnon

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 cups French green lentils, rinsed
1 garlic clove, smashed
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 cups arugula leaves
1/2 cup soft herbs, such as dill, parsley, mint or cilantro, roughly chopped
1 (16-ounce) package cooked whole beets (or 1 pound roasted beets), cut into 1/2-inch wedges
4 ounces extra sharp Cheddar, roughly crumbled
1/4 cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1 small garlic clove, grated
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

Prepare the salad: In a medium pot, add the lentils, garlic and 4 cups water. Season with salt and bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until just tender. (The lentils should still have some bite). Drain in a colander and stir to break up and evenly distribute the garlic. Let the lentils cool slightly.
While the lentils cook, prepare the vinaigrette: In a large serving bowl, whisk the garlic, vinegar, oil, maple syrup and mustard with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Add the warm lentils to the serving bowl, then add the arugula, herbs and beets. Season with salt and black pepper and toss. Add the Cheddar and toss gently, but don't overdo it because you don't want the cheese to turn crimson from the beets. To serve, top with hazelnuts.