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Lentil and Rice Salad

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You'll want to make this recipe part of your summer repertoire; it's the perfect side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It's equally delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 minutes

  • Yield

    4 to 6 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups French green lentils, rinsed, drained
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups steamed brown rice or brown basmati rice, cooled
1 tomato, halved, seeded, chopped
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro plus sprigs for garnish
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion (from about 1/4 onion)
Avocado wedges (optional)
Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place lentils in a saucepan and add water to cover by 3". Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, adding more water if needed to keep lentils covered, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; spread out lentils on a baking sheet and let cool.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin, and sugar in a small bowl to combine. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Combine cooled lentils, rice, tomato, chopped cilantro, and onion in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and gently mix to coat well; season to taste with more salt and pepper. Top with avocado, if using. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for squeezing over.

Nutrition Per Serving

5 servings
1 serving contains: Calories (kcal) 310 Fat (g) 8 Saturated Fat (g) 1 Cholesterol (mg) 0 Carbohydrates (g) 50 Dietary Fiber (g) 9 Total Sugars (g) 3 Protein (g) 13 Sodium (mg) 110
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