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Warm Carrot and Lentil Salad Recipe

4.6 from 134 reviews

A delicious and nourishing warm carrot and lentil salad featuring roasted carrots and onions, toasted pine nuts, fresh watercress, and creamy hummus for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 5 large carrots
  • 1 red onion
  • A handful of fresh watercress

Legumes & Nuts

  • 1 cup cooked brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Others

  • 34 tablespoons hummus
  • Olive oil (for roasting, about 1-2 tablespoons)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Cut the carrots diagonally into smaller pieces and slice the red onion into sixths. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper, drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast Vegetables: Roast the carrots and onion in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Toast Pine Nuts: While the vegetables roast, heat a dry pan over medium heat and toast the pine nuts for a few minutes until they begin to brown and release a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  5. Warm Lentils: Drain and rinse the cooked brown lentils. Place them in a pan over gentle heat just to warm through slightly, stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine and Season: Add the roasted carrots and onions to the warmed lentils in the pan. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
  7. Serve: Remove the pan from heat and plate the warm salad. Garnish with fresh watercress, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top, and add tablespoons of hummus to finish.

Notes

  • Use brown cooked lentils for their firm texture; canned lentils can be rinsed and used as a quick alternative.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
  • Watercress adds a fresh, peppery flavor but can be substituted with arugula or baby spinach.
  • Hummus adds creaminess and protein; choose your favorite flavor for variety.
  • For a vegan option, ensure your hummus is free from dairy ingredients.

Keywords: warm carrot salad, lentil salad, roasted vegetables, pine nuts, hummus, watercress, healthy salad, vegetarian, Mediterranean salad