French Lentil Salad

With fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing, this classic French lentil salad is a real treat. This salad is tasty and good for you. You can eat it as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain

In a saucepan, combine the lentils, water, and bay leaf

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy

Drain and discard the bay leaf

In a large bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper

Add the cooked lentils and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing

Toss to combine

Let the lentil salad cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld

Before serving, stir in fresh parsley, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese

Serve the French lentil salad chilled and enjoy