Summer Lentil Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil
Elevate your summer dining experience with this vibrant Summer Lentil Salad featuring Corn, Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil. Bursting with fresh flavors and packed with nutrients, this delightful salad combines protein-rich lentils, sweet roasted corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all brought together by a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a light main course or a colorful side dish at gatherings, this recipe embraces seasonal ingredients for a refreshing taste that will impress your guests. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green lentils
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (cooked)
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 ounces thinly sliced turkey slices
- 8 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chiffonade)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or another neutral-flavored oil)
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed/finely minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- For the vinaigrette: In a jar with a tight lid, combine olive oil, red apple vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
- Cook the lentils: Rinse lentils in cool water. Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan; add lentils and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and season with salt.
- Crisp turkey slices in a pan over medium heat until browned; let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled lentils with corn kernels, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg