ITALIAN LENTIL SALAD

Italian Lentil Salad image

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound green lentils
2 scallions, white part only, chopped
1 cup halved seedless green grapes
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped skinned and toasted hazelnuts
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 1 to 2 lemons)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the lentils and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 18 to 20 minutes. Drain and let cool for 5 minutes.
Combine the lentils, scallions, red and green grapes, cucumber, bell pepper, hazelnuts, and lemon zest in a large salad bowl.
Pour the lemon juice into a small bowl. Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly, until combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.