French Lentil Salad With Broccolini and Eggs (Print version)

Tender French lentils tossed with crisp broccolini, jammy eggs, and tangy Dijon vinaigrette for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lentils and Vegetables

01 - 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 bay leaf
03 - 8 oz broccolini, trimmed and halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

→ Eggs

06 - 4 large eggs

→ Vinaigrette

07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Finish

13 - 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta, optional
14 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine lentils, bay leaf, and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain, discard bay leaf, and set aside.
02 - While lentils cook, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccolini and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
03 - Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Gently lower eggs into the water and simmer for 7 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 2 minutes, then peel carefully.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
05 - Add warm lentils, broccolini, red onion, and parsley to the vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine and coat evenly.
06 - Divide salad among plates. Halve the soft-cooked eggs and place on top. Sprinkle with goat cheese or feta if using. Finish with extra cracked pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with plant-based protein from lentils and high-quality protein from eggs.
  • Perfect Texture: A satisfying mix of tender legumes, crisp-tender greens, and creamy yolks.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: The lentils and vinaigrette can be prepared in advance for a quick assembly.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: A wholesome main dish suitable for many dietary needs.
02 -
  • Rinse Well: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
  • Warm Tossing: Toss the lentils with the vinaigrette while they are still warm so they absorb the flavors better.
  • Peeling Ease: Use older eggs for easier peeling after the ice bath.
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