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Vibrant Mediterranean Lentil & Grilled Peach Salad with Za'atar Chickpea Croutons
Experience a flavor explosion with our nutrient-rich Mediterranean Lentil & Grilled Peach Salad, perfectly paired with za'atar chickpea croutons. Try it today!
Our Vibrant Mediterranean Lentil & Grilled Peach Salad is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, designed to tantalize your taste buds while providing a nourishing boost. Packed with plant-based proteins from lentils and chickpeas, this salad is as satisfying as it is wholesome. The unexpected addition of grilled peaches adds a touch of sweetness and caramelized delight, while the za'atar-spiced chickpea croutons offer a crunchy contrast that's both exciting and nutritious.
This salad is a nutritional powerhouse, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from its colorful array of vegetables and fruits. Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and iron, making them an ideal component for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The use of za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, not only infuses the chickpeas with a savory depth but also brings a host of anti-inflammatory benefits. Fresh herbs and a lemon-tahini dressing tie everything together, creating a dish that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Recipe Overview
🌱 Vegan
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
4
Calories
450 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Experience a flavor explosion with our nutrient-rich Mediterranean Lentil & Grilled Peach Salad, perfectly paired with za'atar chickpea croutons. Try it today!
Ingredients
- • dry green lentils: 1 cup
- • water: 3 cups
- • ripe peaches: 2, halved and pitted
- • canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: 1 can (15 oz)
- • za'atar spice blend: 2 tablespoons
- • cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
- • cucumber, diced: 1 cup
- • arugula: 4 cups
- • fresh mint leaves, chopped: 1/4 cup
- • fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup
- • olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- • lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- • tahini: 2 tablespoons
- • garlic, minced: 1 clove
- • salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- 1 Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- 2 While the lentils cook, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and are slightly softened. Remove from the pan and let cool before slicing each half into wedges.
- 3 In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the za'atar spice blend until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until crispy, stirring halfway through.
- 4 In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, arugula, mint, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
- 5 For the dressing, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- 6 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Top with grilled peach slices and za'atar chickpea croutons. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- • This salad stands beautifully on its own but can be complemented with a side of whole-grain pita bread or a hearty bowl of hummus to add even more Middle Eastern flair. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a chilled glass of mint iced tea or a cucumber-infused sparkling water to complement the salad’s vibrant flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled halloumi or a platter of assorted olives and roasted vegetables. The combination of textures and flavors will create a satisfying and balanced dining experience.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a small jar or container and shake well before using. The chickpea croutons are best stored at room temperature in a sealed container to maintain their crispiness. Avoid combining all the components until ready to serve to preserve texture and freshness.
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