Like most people I talk to, I’ve been trying to work my way through my super-stocked pantry and freezer. Last week a couple days before I went shopping, I took a look around my kitchen for any items on hand that would make a decent lunch. I found a bag of Pardina lentils tucked away in the back of the pantry, and some kale and a couple green apples in the fridge. I also grabbed an onion from the pantry, and along with a flavorful dressing made from basic fridge staples, it was an easy, delicious meal.
If you’re not familiar with them, Pardina lentils are also called Spanish brown lentils, and they are a bit smaller than other green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well when cooked so they’re great for a salad, not to mention their lovely nutty flavor. Of course you could substitute another type of lentil if you want, but the flavor will change a bit; also, be sure you adjust the cooking time, since most varieties cook faster than the Pardina variety (even though Pardina lentils are smaller).
When I was conjuring up the idea for this salad in my mind, I initially thought I’d add crumbled Feta or shaved Parmesan on top. After one taste I knew this salad was perfect as-is, with its simple, bright flavors shining through and reflecting its perfectly green color. Of course a little cheese wouldn’t hurt at all, but if you decide to add a salty cheese, I’d cut back a little on the salt added to the dressing (maybe start with around 1/2 teaspoon).
- 1 cup (195 g) dry Pardina (Spanish brown) lentils
- 4 oz (115 g) kale, stems trimmed, thick inner ribs removed, and finely chopped (about 3 cups chopped small)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium-sized crisp, tart green apples (I used Granny Smith apples), washed, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- 1 medium clove raw garlic, grated
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sort through the lentils to remove any small stones or pieces of dirt, and then rinse with cold water in a colander. Add the lentils to a medium saucepan and fill about ¾ full with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover the saucepan, turn the heat down to a simmer, and cook until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water as necessary. Strain the lentils, then rinse under cold running water, and cool completely.
- Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl, then toss in the lentils, kale, onion, and apple.
- Serve or store in the fridge for the next day.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Erica says
April 1, 2013 at 5:54 amI love fruit in salads (I tell you this every time you use it ;)). Its just crunchy, sweet & delicious. I am sure I have some sort of leftover lentils in there!!
Rosa says
April 1, 2013 at 6:03 amHealthy and scrumptious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Kelsey @aslolife says
April 1, 2013 at 6:59 amMy husband has been so over me making kale salads lately and basically ordered me to buy mixed greens this week instead, but maybe if I think outside the kale as just a lettuce substitute box, he’ll let me go back lol. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Eileen says
April 1, 2013 at 1:53 pmThis salad sounds amazing! Such a perfect light meal. I have the impulse to make up a batch and eat it gradually for lunch all week. :)
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
April 1, 2013 at 3:48 pmI love anything with lentils. Apple probably adds so much freshness to this salad. I need to do some pantry/fridge cleaning too
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
April 1, 2013 at 6:10 pmPerfect use of on-hand ingredients! I’ve never tried Pardina lentils, I’ll have to look for them.
ashley - baker by nature says
April 1, 2013 at 6:21 pmYou always make the prettiest salads, Faith!
Shannon says
April 1, 2013 at 9:48 pmthis is right up my alley, lovely!! pinned ;)
Katerina says
April 2, 2013 at 3:38 amAlthough I cook lentils almost every week I have never tried to include them in a salad silly ha? I love the flavors you combined in there Faith, beautiful dish!
deana says
April 2, 2013 at 7:29 amI just made lentil salad for exactly the same reason. I used pears and sherry vinegar but, yes, I love it. I had it with salmon but I love the vegetarian idea with kale. I’ll try it next time.
Juliana says
April 2, 2013 at 10:40 pmBeautiful salad Faith, love the green apples in it…so tasty and yet so healthy.
Enjoy your week :)
grace says
April 3, 2013 at 1:42 pmit’s nice to see lentils in something other than soup!
Nutmeg Nanny says
April 4, 2013 at 3:04 pmThis salad is so healthy and delicious looking! I really need to use lentils more…yum!
Savannah says
May 26, 2013 at 3:05 pmI love this salad and I hope you dont mind that I have added it to the salad link up I am featuring this week. If you have other salads please feel free to add them, too. This one looks delicious. Pinned! -Savannah
Paula says
May 29, 2013 at 7:01 pmLove this combo! Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes. Pinned!
robokyp says
March 9, 2014 at 10:47 amBrie is the perfect cheese for this salad!!!
Nikki Loveless says
October 19, 2016 at 10:26 pmThis has consistently been on my go to list for the last year. Everyone loves it! Tonight I served with pork chops and I cannot imagine a better fall night meal. Plus the left over salad is just as delicious.
Nikki Lederer Loveless says
March 19, 2017 at 11:06 pmI make this salad all the time and just wanted to say everyone who tries it, LOVES it! Thanks so much for sharing.
sheetal says
July 31, 2017 at 2:09 amOh man. I love how decadent yet simple these are!