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Warm Kale and Lentil Salad

This hearty salad combines kale, lentils, and a variety of vegetables, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 250 grams Carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally Adds sweetness and color.
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Always opt for a high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor!
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) Sweet corn adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Adds a bite; shallots can be a lovely substitute for a milder flavor.
  • 400 grams brown lentils, rinsed and drained Canned varieties save time, but you can cook dried lentils for a fresher taste.
  • 120 grams curly kale, roughly chopped For a different leafy green, spinach or swiss chard work nicely!
  • 70 grams feta cheese, crumbled A tangy cheese that complements the dish; goat cheese is another tasty option.
  • ¼ cup roasted almonds, chopped For crunch! Substitute with walnuts or pecans if desired.
  • 1 unit Juice of 1 lemon Freshly squeezed is best!
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 generous grind black pepper Freshly ground will elevate the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add about 1.5 inches of water to a saucepan, bringing it to a boil. Place a steamer basket on top. Peel the carrots, trim the ends, and slice them diagonally. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-6 minutes until just tender.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil on medium heat. Once warm, add the steamed carrots to the pan. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they start to turn golden brown. Stir in the sliced red onion and corn kernels, seasoning with salt. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the wilted curly kale, warm veggies, drained lentils, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped almonds. Squeeze the fresh juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss everything together gently until well-coated.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or black pepper as preferred.
  5. Serve warm, or refrigerate for up to a few days if preferred cold.

Notes

This warm salad can be enjoyed alone or as a side dish. To enhance flavors, consider topping it with extra crumbled feta and fresh herbs like parsley. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.