Warm Balsamic Mushroom and Lentil Salad. This hearty salad combines seared mushrooms and shallots bathed in balsamic vinegar, tossed with lentils and fresh thyme. Served over a bed of peppery arugula and topped with a creamy garlic dressing, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying dish, this salad is sure to please.
Warm Balsamic Mushroom and Lentil Salad Recipe | Healthy & Vegan-Friendly
Warm Balsamic Mushroom and Lentil Salad Recipe
Warm Balsamic Mushroom and Lentil Salad. This hearty salad combines seared mushrooms and shallots bathed in balsamic vinegar, tossed with lentils and fresh thyme. Served over a bed of peppery arugula and topped with a creamy garlic dressing, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying dish, this salad is sure to please.
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
12 oz. mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake), sliced
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
3-4 garlic cloves sliced
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
11/2 cups cooked brown or green lentils (canned or cooked from dry)
1/2 tsp. each sea salt and cracked black pepper
3 Tosp. grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if making vegan)
Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for serving (about 2 cups per salad)
Creamy Garlic Dressing
3 Tosp. creamy cashew butter
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. grated garlic (about 2 cloves)
3 Tbsp. water
sea salt to taste
Directions:
Prepare Creamy Garlic Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine cashew butter, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt; stir to combine. Gradually whisk in water in 1 tbls increments until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with additional salt, if needed. Set aside.
Prepare Mushroom and Lentil Mixture: Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add shallots, garlic, and thyme, toss to combine, and continue cooking until mushrooms are golden and shallots are soft, about 5 to 7 more minutes. Add additional 2 Tbsp. of olive oil, along with balsamic vinegar, lentils, salt, and black pepper; cook 2 more minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Assemble Salads: Arrange greens in a serving bowl, spoon lentil and mushroom mixture on top. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), pepper, and lemon wedge.
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