Lentil, Potato & Asparagus Salad

This vibrant salad brings fresh flavours and satisfying textures to your table, perfect for those days when time is short. Ready in around half an hour, everything comes together efficiently without complex steps, guaranteeing a complete and delicious meal. Quickly roasted potatoes and asparagus combine with the richness of lentils and a zesty dressing, tying the dish together with a refreshing note. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something special with just a few effective touches, making healthy eating effortlessly enjoyable.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 8.8 oz (250g) new potatoes, cut into approx. 0.6 inch (1.5cm) cubes
• 7 oz (200g) green asparagus, tips and tender stalks
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for dressing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8.8 oz (250g) pre-cooked lentils (such as Beluga or Puy), drained and rinsed
• 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for fan-assisted or 200°C (400°F) for conventional. Spread the potatoes and asparagus on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
2. Roast the vegetables for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden, and the asparagus is crisp-tender.
3. Whilst the vegetables are cooking, prepare the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper until emulsified.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked lentils, finely chopped red onion, and parsley.
5. Once cooked, add the roasted potatoes and asparagus to the bowl with the lentils. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the salad warm or at room temperature as a light main or a vibrant side dish. It makes an excellent packed lunch for the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating dishes like this into your routine is a simple way to enjoy wholesome, flavourful cooking, even on your busiest days. This salad, with its balanced flavours and easy preparation, is designed to be a reliable and satisfying staple in your weekly recipe repertoire.