Chef Randy: Lentils Made Delicious

CHEF RANDY’S LIFE OF SPICE

cold lentil salad

I like this recipe because it is different, it is flavorful, and it is nutritious. It’s a wonderful addition to my spring and summer picnic fare. The combination of lightly seasoned lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a fresh vinaigrette dressing can’t be beat.

Randy Graham is a noted chef and writer and has been a lactoovo vegetarian for over 38 years. Chef Randy has written and published a series of seven cookbooks with original recipes developed over the period 1975 through 2020. He writes for the Ojai Quarterly, the Ojai Monthly, and the California 101 Travelers Guide. His vegetarian recipes are published in newspapers throughout Central California under the header, Chef Randy. He and his wife, Robin, live in Ojai, California, with their dog Cooper. Robin and Cooper are not vegetarians.

Healthy Quick + Easy

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups cooked lentils (I use Trader Joe’s steamed lentils) 1 cup diced English or Persian cucumbers (no need to peel) 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered) 1/4 cup red onion (chopped fine) 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives (chopped) 1/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives (chopped) 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegars 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon agave nectar 1 teaspoon dried oregano (crushed between the palms of your hands) 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Place all of the lentil ingredients (lentils through cheese) in a large bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.

Place all of the vinaigrette ingredients (oil through pepper) in a medium bowl and whisk until well mixed. Pour over lentil mixture and gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I like to serve this on a bed of chopped crisp lettuce and to bring a loaf of crusty French bread to the table (or to the picnic blanket).

Tip for vegans: use vegan feta and this is a completely vegan recipe!

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