In spring, it’s always great to clean house.  Both literally, and figuratively.  Though right now in Wyoming, where it is 30 and snowing, it is hard to honestly believe spring is coming.  My frost-cloth has been on my peonies for the last 3 days.  Hopefully, all will survive.

With Spring comes enlightenment.  And a shift away from winter laden heavy foods.  As an homage to this shift, I would like to share a meatless salad.   All you need to add is a good loaf of bread with some olive oil and sea salt for dipping.

Ingredients:

1 C French Lentils  (rinse, drain and pick through for particles)

2 C Water

1 Sweet Onion, chopped

4 cups Arugula    (rinsed and dried)

1/2 C toasted walnuts

1/2 C dried cranberries

1/2 cup goat cheese in pieces.  ( personally, I LOVE Chevre or goat cheese, so I add a bit more)

2/3 C olive oil

1T Dijon mustard

1/3  C white balsamic vinegar

1 T honey

Read the instructions first please.   Couple of comments you should be aware of in the recipe.

Here we go:

Lentils:

Put lentils, water and chopped onion in large sauce pan.  Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes until lentils are done.   Should still have some bite.   Definitely DON’T want to cook to mush.   Remove from stove.  Because you want these at room temp, may want to spread out on pan to cool.  (note: this makes a lot of lentils.  I would use about half in the salad.)

Toasted Walnuts:

Put the walnuts in a dry cast iron pan and toast.   Should brown slightly and become fragrant.  ( personally, I would double or triple for other salads or trail mix).  Once toasted, remove to small bowl or plate.

White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Pour Olive Oil, Balsamic, honey and mustard into mason jar or a personal fave, the OXO Good Grips Salad Dressing Maker.   Add salt and pepper to taste.

(Note: You can find it on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Salad-Dressing-Shaker/dp/B003L0OOR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495228690&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+dressing+shaker

Put cleaned arugula in bowl.  Add walnuts, and cranberries.  (Optional: add thin slices of sweet onion or green onion to bowl)

Add enough dressing to lightly coat.  Lightly toss. Nothing is worse than lettuce dripping on your plate.   Next, add lentils and goat cheese.  You may want to add a bit more dressing- this is your call. Lightly toss again.

Meatless Monday, serve with bread.   Or its great with a grilled pork chop.  Either way,

Enjoy!

Terri