Lentil & Chicken Spring Salad (Printable)

Vibrant protein-packed salad featuring tender lentils, roasted chicken, peppery arugula, and tangy pickled onions in mustard dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 2 cups cooked shredded roasted chicken, skinless
03 - 4 cups fresh arugula
04 - ½ cup pickled red onions, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - ½ cucumber, sliced

→ Mustard Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon honey
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool slightly.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, shredded chicken, arugula, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
04 - Pour the mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
05 - Divide among four plates and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The mustard dressing creates this perfect bright tangy punch that makes you want to keep going back for another bite
  • You can prep everything ahead and it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to hang out together
02 -
  • Let the lentils cool completely before mixing with the arugula or you will end up with wilted sad greens instead of fresh crisp ones
  • The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and actually tastes better after the flavors have melded together
03 -
  • Making your own pickled onions is so easy just soak sliced red onion in equal parts vinegar water with a pinch of salt and sugar for 30 minutes
  • Massage the arugula with a tiny bit of olive oil before adding the dressing if you want it to stay fresh even longer
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