Healthy and Delicious Lentil and Rice Salad

bon appétit magazine
Photo by María del Mar Sacasa / Ennis, Inc.
Photo by María del Mar Sacasa / Ennis, Inc.

ByBon Appétit

Lentil and Rice Salad
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.

Read More:The Best New
Restaurants of 2012




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

INGREDIENT INFO:
French green lentils are available at specialty foods stores and some supermarkets.

Read More: The Best Store-Bought Ice Cream

Preparation
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.

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

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.


More from Bon Appétit:

How to Build a Better Burger
10 Kitchen Upgrades for Under
$50 Junk Food Makeover: Tater Tots
10 Snacks You Thought Were Healthy But Really Aren't