Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish

There’s something magical about the combination of earthy lentils and creamy burrata cheese that creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. This Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish has become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I first discovered this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece during a summer vacation in Italy, and I’ve been perfecting it ever since.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—tender lentils infused with fresh herbs, complemented by the luxurious creaminess of burrata cheese. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or stunning side dish, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The earthiness of lentils, brightness of herbs, and richness of burrata create a harmonious combination
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for quick assembly
• Visually Stunning: The contrast of the green herbs, brown lentils, and white burrata creates a feast for the eyes
• Versatile: Works as a standalone meal, side dish, or elegant starter
• Budget-Friendly: Lentils provide an economical source of protein and nutrition
• Customizable: Easily adapt with seasonal vegetables and herbs to suit your taste

This recipe bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion dining—simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for entertaining. The vibrant herbs and luscious burrata transform humble lentils into something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lentil Salad:

• 1 cup dry French green lentils (Puy lentils)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

For the Herb Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 8 ounces (225g) fresh burrata cheese (2 medium balls)
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt
• Fresh herbs for garnish
• Crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, checking for and removing any small stones or debris. Place them in a medium saucepan with water or broth, bay leaf, and crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the lentils are cooking, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest in a large bowl. Add the honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper, then whisk until emulsified. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice the red onion, celery, and carrot. For the onion, you can soak the diced pieces in cold water for 5-10 minutes to reduce their sharpness if desired. Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives if using.

Step 4: Drain and Season the Lentils

Once the lentils are cooked, drain them thoroughly and discard the bay leaf and garlic cloves. While still warm, transfer the lentils to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to combine. The warm lentils will absorb the dressing better, enhancing the flavor.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Fold in the diced red onion, celery, carrot, cherry tomatoes, and olives if using. Gently mix to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the lentils.

Step 6: Rest the Salad

Allow the lentil salad to rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld. This salad can also be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving—just bring it back to room temperature before the final assembly.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

When ready to serve, transfer the lentil salad to a large serving platter or individual plates. Carefully tear open each burrata ball and place them atop the lentil salad, allowing the creamy center to spill slightly onto the lentils.

Step 8: Final Touches

Drizzle the burrata with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scatter the reserved fresh herbs over the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

• Lentil Selection Matters: French green lentils (Puy lentils) are ideal for this salad as they hold their shape well after cooking. Black beluga lentils are a good substitute. Avoid red or yellow lentils, which break down too easily.
• Don’t Salt the Cooking Water: Add salt only after the lentils are cooked to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Taste as You Go: The flavor balance between the acidic dressing and earthy lentils is crucial. Adjust the salt, pepper, and acidity as needed.
• Room Temperature Serving: This dish tastes best when the lentils are at room temperature and the burrata is slightly chilled.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations based on what’s fresh and available. Dill, tarragon, or oregano can be wonderful additions.
• Burrata Handling: Handle burrata gently to preserve its delicate structure. Remove it from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 385 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 14g
• Fat: 22g (mostly heart-healthy unsaturated fats)
• Sodium: 490mg (varies based on salt added)

This Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish is a nutrient-dense meal that provides an excellent balance of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The lentils offer iron, B vitamins, and minerals, while the fresh herbs provide antioxidants and flavor without extra calories.

Storage and Leftovers

The lentil salad portion of this dish keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store the dressed lentil salad (without burrata) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as the ingredients meld together.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables and herbs would deteriorate upon thawing.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the lentil salad up to 24 hours ahead, and add the burrata just before serving.
• Leftover Ideas: Transform leftovers into a wrap with hummus, use as a bed for grilled fish or chicken, or add to scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions on appetizer plates with extra bread for scooping.
• Main Course: Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Picnic Star: The lentil portion travels well for outdoor dining (pack burrata separately with ice).
• Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, unoaked Chardonnay, or light Pinot Noir complements the earthy lentils and creamy burrata beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the burrata and either enjoy the lentil salad on its own or substitute with a vegan alternative like avocado or a dairy-free cheese. Replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I use canned lentils to save time?

Absolutely. While cooking lentils from scratch yields the best texture and flavor, canned lentils work in a pinch. Rinse them well and skip the cooking step. You’ll need about 2½ cups of cooked lentils.

What can I substitute for burrata cheese?

If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or a good quality feta cheese makes a nice alternative. For a different but complementary flavor, try goat cheese or ricotta.

How can I make this dish more substantial for a main course?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein. For vegetarian options, incorporate roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Seasonal Variations

This Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish adapts beautifully to the changing seasons:

• Spring: Add tender asparagus tips, fresh peas, and extra mint
• Summer: Incorporate heirloom tomatoes, grilled corn, and basil
• Fall: Mix in roasted butternut squash, toasted walnuts, and sage
• Winter: Include roasted beets, blood oranges, and thyme

The foundation of lentils and burrata provides a canvas for seasonal creativity, making this a recipe you can return to year-round.

Conclusion

This Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish perfectly balances simplicity and sophistication. The humble lentil transforms into a gourmet experience when paired with fresh herbs and luxurious burrata cheese. What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability—make it casual for a weeknight dinner or dress it up for entertaining.

The contrasting textures and complementary flavors create a memorable dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this forgiving recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.

Give this Herby Lentil Salad with Burrata Delightful Dish a try for your next meal—your taste buds and dinner guests will thank you! Don’t forget to save this recipe for future reference and let me know in the comments how you personalized it to make it your own.

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