French lentil and goat cheese salad

French lentil and goat cheese salad

This classic French lentil and goat cheese salad is full of intense flavours and nutrients.  The salad is made using earthy, healthy Puy lentils, carrots, and herbs. Lentils are thought to have originated in the Near East or Mediterranean area and have been a source of sustenance for our ancestors since prehistoric times. They are the oldest pulse crop known to man and one of the earliest domesticated crops.

This classic salad is affordable, simple to make and very satisfying. It is a great a make-ahead recipe for meals on the go.  The higher calories makes this suitable as a snack for sports people or those requiring higher energy intakes.

Serves:  6

Dietary: Gluten-free

Contains: celery (vegetable stock cubes), nuts (walnuts), milk (goat cheese)

May Contain:

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

 

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (800 g) Green lentils
2 large (240 g) carrots
1 large (185 g) red onion
30 g French goat cheese
1 cup (115 g) chopped walnuts
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp (10 g) fresh chives
1 stock cube vegetable, low salt
3 Tbsp garlic granules

 

METHOD

  1. Drain the cooked cans of lentils and rinse well.
  2. Preheat a large saucepan and add the olive oil to cook the carrots and onion for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Add the lentils and vegetable stock to the vegetables and stir in the garlic granules and fresh chives.
  4. Lower the heat and leave the lentils to soften for another 5 minutes.
  5. In the meantime, roast the walnuts in a smaller pan.
  6. The salad is then ready to serve with crumbled or sliced goat cheese and walnuts on top.

 

This recipe was donated by Clara Stancombe Postigo, a Bioscience/Nutrition student at the University of Exeter.

 

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per serving: 240 g serving
Total calories: 317 kcal
Fat:  18.0 g
 of which saturates:  2.8 g
Carbohydrate: 22.0 g
 of which sugars: 6.1 g
Fibre:  9.2 g
Protein:  13.0 g
Salt:  0.16 g

 

NUTRITION FACTS

  • Lentils are edible seeds from the legume family.
  • Lentils comprise more than 25% protein, making them an excellent meat alternative. They’re also a great source of iron, a mineral that is sometimes lacking in vegetarian diets
  • Additionally, lentils are rich in polyphenols, a category of health-promoting phytochemicals
  • This French Lentil and Goat Cheese salad is low in saturated fats and sugars.
  • It is also a good source of fibre, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin A,

 

VARIATIONS

  • Drizzle some fresh lemon juice on top for a zesty fresh kick.
  • Feta can be used instead of goat’s cheese.

 

Checked by Kathy Lewis, R.Nutr., Registered Nutritionist

 

© 2023 The Caroline Walker Trust