most delish lentil salad
This recipe is from Gimme Some Oven and is literally the most delish lentil salad EVER. My edit of the recipe as follows:
SALAD
✧ 1 c uncooked French lentils, rinsed
✧ 2 1/1 c free-range chicken bone broth
✧ 1 English cucumber, diced
✧ 1 small red onion, diced
✧ 3/4 c cilantro, chopped
✧ 1 red bell pepper, diced
DRESSING
✧ 3 tbsp olive oil
✧ 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
✧ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✧ 1 clove garlic, pressed
✧ 1/2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
✧ 1/4 tsp freshly-cracked black pepper
SIDE
✧ 1 avocado, sliced
✧ 1 small handful of microgreens
NOTES
꩜ Shop organic (spices & oils included) & in season whenever possible, plus make sure to fully clean all residue off produce with baking soda prior to cooking.
꩜ My personal favorite microgreens are micro-cilantro blends, though I rarely get so lucky as to find them in store…really any micros are great, but micro-cilantro is seriously heavenly if you stumble upon it!
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the lentils per packaged instructions, swapping the water for veggie broth
2. While lentils are cooking, chop veggies and mix up dressing
3. Assemble salad along sides of avo and micreogreens
Some functional food for thought —
LENTILS
Rich in protective plant compounds called polyphenols, lentils can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases due to their high antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects. They are also cardio-protective, rich in fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium and calcium, supporting heart and bone health, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They are also a source of energizing iron and vitamin B1, which helps maintain a steady heartbeat. Plus, they’re high in protein (with essential and non-essential amino acids + touting a whopping 18 grams for 1 cup!) for all of us non-big meat eaters. Bonus, they come in a true rainbow of colors, from yellow to green to red to orange to black to brown, so you really can’t get tired of cooking with them. They’re super versatile, inexpensive and shelf-stable. How could anyone not LOVE lentils?!
MICROGREENS
While nutrient content varies based on variety, most tend to be rich in antioxidants, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. ALL are nutrient concentrated, meaning they often contain higher vitamin, mineral and antioxidant levels than the same quantity of mature greens — ie: red cabbage microgreens can have 40X the Vitamin E and 6X the Vitamin C of mature red cabbage and cilantro microgreens can have 4X the beta-carotene as mature cilantro!
PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
Since pink Himalayan salt is less processed than table salt, your body has an easier time processing it, as it doesn’t require as much water to clear out the excess sodium! It also contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron, calcium and (naturally occurring) iodine, aiding our body’s natural detoxification process and promoting the removal of bacteria. This can even help lower blood pressure, as iodine supports our body’s electrolyte balance, allowing our intestines to absorb more nutrients.
As with everything I make, I love to know the ingredients will fuel not only a beautiful plate, but a beautiful feeling inside. Steeped in the culture of being raised in Japanese and Italian homes, I understand the magnitude of importance food holds. I also believe in the philosophy of eating to live versus living to eat. It really is not about deprivation, it’s about remaining mindful and raising the vibration — no matter how incredible something taste’s, it’s also about how it “tastes” to our minds, bodies and souls that will keep the true “deliciousness” with us long past the moment of actual consumption. Pillars I continue to remind myself:
1. The quality of ingredients matter.
2. Less is always more.
3. Think loving thoughts while cooking and the food will taste better! #truth
4. Remain present while enjoying the intimate act of eating, it’s a game changer.
With love & gratitude, cheers to your good health!
medical disclaimer: all information is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as personal medical advice. individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before administering any of the suggestions made on thebalancedcalm.com to ensure they are appropriate for their specific circumstance.
