Ingredients

4 small beets
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 garlic clove , minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red lentil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
6 ounces arugula , leaves torn into bite-size pieces
2 1/2 ounces feta cheese , preferably French , crumbled
Red Lentil Salad with Feta and Beets is a healthy and delicious recipe that can be enjoyed as a side dish or light meal. The dish is colorful, packed with flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for a meal prep or healthy eating plan. The combination of lentils, roasted beets, and arugula creates a crunchy, satisfying texture with a tangy and spicy flavor that's hard to resist. This salad can be served as a vegetarian main dish, or it can be paired with grilled meat or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast them in the oven until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3.In a small saucepan, heat the grapeseed oil over medium heat.
4.Add the shallot and garlic, and stir until fragrant.
5.Add the cumin and fennel, and stir for an additional minute.
6.Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
7.Whisk in the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make a dressing.
8.Rinse the lentils in cold water.
9.Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, add the lentils, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
10.Drain the lentils and rinse them with cold water.
11.Peel and chop the roasted beets.
12.In a bowl, combine the lentils, beets, and dressing, and toss to combine.
13.Add the chopped parsley and toss again.
14.Arrange the arugula on a serving platter, and top it with the lentil mixture.
15.Sprinkle feta cheese on top of the salad.

PROS

This Red Lentil Salad is packed with flavors and nutrition, perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish.

The salad is high in fiber, protein, and other nutrients that are good for your health.

It’s also gluten-free and vegetarian.

CONS

The beets can be messy and stains clothing, cutting board, and fingers.

The preparation time for this salad can take a while with roasting the beets and cooking the lentils.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Red Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making them a healthy choice for vegetarians.
The lentils are also rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and phosphorus.
Beets are a low-calorie vegetable packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Arugula is a great source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
The combination of lentils, beets, and arugula offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, better heart health, and a stronger immune system.

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