French Lentil Salad with Sweet Corn and Tomato

Sweet corn and tomatoes are two of southwestern Ontario's classic late summer harvests, and both flavors burst through in this fresh-tasting, nourishing and easy-to-make lentil salad. Served with fresh baked bread, this refreshing salad tossed with a zesty dressing is a splendid lunch or light dinner to have outside on a beautiful warm autumn day.

I like to use French lentils for salads not only for their light peppery taste but also because they hold their shape when cooked. If you don't have French lentils, substitute brown or green lentils for an equally delicious and slightly more earthy-tasting salad, but be careful not to overcook the lentils as they will fall apart.

French Lentil Salad with Sweet Corn and Tomato

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on October 3, 2009 Easy and fresh-tasting summer salad of peppery French lentils, tangy tomatoes and fresh sweet corn tossed with a light zesty dressing Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes Print this recipe Salad: 1 cup French (Puy) lentils 1 bay leaf 4 ears fresh sweet corn 4 large firm red tomatoes, chopped large handful of fresh parsley, chopped Dressing: 2 tablespoons olive oil juice of 1 lime (2 tablespoons) 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon cayenne fresh ground black pepper Instructions: Rinse the lentils under cold running water and soak for 2 hours covered in several inches of cold water. Drain and rinse, then place in a medium saucepan and cover with several inches of fresh cold water. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain and discard the bay leaf. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, boil the corn for 5 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool, then pare the kernels from the ears. Place the lentils, corn, tomatoes and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad. Serve warm or cold. Makes 4 servings

Other lentil salads you may enjoy:
Puy Lentil, Feta and Roasted Red Pepper Salad
Ethiopian Lentil and Mustard Salad (Azefa)

Audio Accompaniment: Shutov Assembly by Brian Eno

On the top of the reading stack: Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett