Lentil And Vegetable Salad

So many times when I make lentils, they are used in a hot dish.  They are one of the “family” approved protein substitutes.  This time, I decided to use them in a cold dish though.  Sometimes it’s good to change things up.

And speaking of changing things up….

Last weekend, Tim and I were out running errands and stopped to get some cold pressed juice.  He fired his back like he was at a frat party, or had just crossed the Sahara with nothing more than a thimbleful of water.  Yikes.

His sister called while we were discussing our next stop, and asked what we were doing.  Tim mentioned that he wanted to run out to the mall ( there happens to be two near us right across the street from each other with essentially the same name, so everyone refers to them as either one or two). We typically do most of our shopping at the first one, but the second one is usually a lot less crowded and nicer to walk around for a change.

I jokingly said, “ Good thing we are going somewhere with a bathroom since Tim just chugged a green juice.”

Tim asked, “One or two?”

Dead silence from Rose.  I, on the other hand, felt obligated to answer.

”Is that something we need to know?”I asked.  “TMI about how the juice will affect your bathroom habits.”

Tim looked at me like I lost my mind.

”What are you talking about?” He demanded. “ I want to know which mall you want to go to, One or Two?”

My bad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup puy (French) lentils
• 3/4 cup diced red pepper
• 3/4 cup diced carrot
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
• 3 Tablespoons of my Onion Garlic Marinade.  Swap out the white balsamic for regular balsamic. ( can add more, but be careful not to drown the lentils and make them soupy.  I would not add more than 6 TBS)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse the lentils and cook 20-30 minutes till just tender, but not mushy.  Rinse immediately with cool water and drain well.
2. Put lentils in a bowl and add carrots, peppers and celery.  Stir well to combine.  Add marinade, salt and pepper.  Refrigerate till ready to serve.

Enjoy!