Vegetarian Lentil Nicoise Salad
This vegetarian lentil Nicoise salad is a hearty, protein-rich twist on the French classic. Lentils, potatoes, green beans, eggs, radishes, and olives are paired with a tangy lemon-dill dressing for a fresh, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Assembling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad:
¾ cup dried French lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 lb baby potatoes
1 lb green beans, trimmed
4 large eggs
1 cup radishes, quartered (about 1 bunch)
¼ cup Kalamata or Nicoise olives, whole
Dressing:
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (plus more for garnish)
2 teaspoons grainy mustard
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook lentils in a saucepan with plenty of water until tender but not mushy, about 20–25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Slice in half once cooled slightly.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Boil eggs 7–8 minutes for jammy yolks or 10 minutes for hard-boiled. Peel and slice in half.
- Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, grapeseed oil, shallots, capers, dill, grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Arrange lentils, potatoes, green beans, eggs, radishes, and olives on a platter.
- Drizzle dressing over the top and garnish with extra dill before serving.
Notes
Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber for extra freshness.
Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a richer flavor.
For vegan version, omit eggs and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
Keep components separate for best meal prep results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/vegetarian-lentil-nicoise-salad/
