Salads > Warm Salads > Other Warm Salad Preparations > Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage Recipe

Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage

A hearty and flavorful warm lentil salad with savory sausage, perfect as a light meal or a side dish. This recipe combines earthy lentils with the richness of sausage and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a satisfying culinary experience.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils
  • 1/2 lb Italian Sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/2 medium, chopped Onion
  • 1 medium, chopped Carrot
  • 1 stalk, chopped Celery
  • 2 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh Parsley
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Prepare the Lentils

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any debris and ensures a cleaner flavor.

Cook the Sausage

Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable). In a large skillet or pot, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the olive oil (if needed, depending on how much fat rendered from the sausage) to the pot. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

Add the rinsed lentils back to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Sausage and Dressing

Once the lentils are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Pour the vinaigrette over the lentil and sausage mixture. Stir well to combine.

Garnish and Serve

Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the warm lentil salad immediately.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This salad is a good source of protein and fiber. Using lean sausage and controlling the amount of olive oil will help to keep the fat content lower. Consider using vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

← Warm Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Glaze Warm Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Salad →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

    Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite type of sausage, such as chorizo or turkey sausage.
  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors may even meld together more as it sits.
  • Can I add other vegetables?

    Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.