by the Chef Marshall O'Brien Group

Zingy Dijon vinaigrette dressing and the added crunch of red bell pepper and toasted slivered almonds make this easy salad a real taste and texture treat. Use extra lentils and asparagus left over from a previous meal and you can put this together in no time!

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked green or brown lentils
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cups roasted or sautéed asparagus, in bite-sized pieces 
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced medium
  • 1⁄4 cup toasted almonds, chopped, sliced or slivered
  • 1⁄2 cup Dijon vinaigrette, or to taste (recipe below)

Directions

  • Cook lentils according to package directions. Chill and set aside.
  • Roast asparagus ahead of time; chill and set aside. Combine all ingredients except salad dressing.
  • When ready to serve, toss with desired amount of Dijon Vinaigrette until dressing is evenly distributed.

Dijon Vinaigrette

Makes 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced 
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, minced 
  • Black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Whisk all ingredients in bowl until combined, or place in jar with airtight lid and shake vigorously.
  • Taste and adjust flavor with lemon juice as desired. Store in refrigerator; keeps one week.

Download recipe

The Chef Marshall O’Brien Group is a dedicated assembly of professionals based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, committed to the goal of using nutrition to get kids and families to lead happier, healthier lives.