This is a copious and hearty vegetarian salad. It’s a perfect for those hot dog days of summer and a welcome difference to the regular potato and macaroni salads that dominate picnics and BBQ’s at that time of year.
Summer yields a cornucopia of incomparable fresh produce, something that we all take advantage, as every farmer’s market is bursting with color and spectacular fruits and vegetables.
Although this salad doesn’t include much of the fresh produce offered during the hot summer months, it is a superb addition for a brunch or buffet spread.
French beans can be substituted for grilled asparagus and the potatoes can be roasted instead of steamed, which is an even better option.
1 LB of baby multi colored potatoes
4 scallions – whites and green parts sliced
1 jar of roasted Piquillo peppers – drained and sliced
½ LB of French green beans
1 cup of cooked lentils
2 TBSP capers
¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley
1 TBSP grainy Grey Poupon mustard
2 TBSP regular Grey Poupon mustard
1 TBSP honey
1 TSP dried tarragon
¼ cup of EVOO
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 avocado – sliced
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Steam the potatoes until tender. In a separate pot heat some water and boil the green beans for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to have some crunch but not be raw. Drain and add beans to an ice bath to chill. Drain.
Add the washed and sorted lentils to a medium pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow them to stand covered for another 15 minutes. You want the lentils tender but not mushy. Drain and cool.
In a large working bowl, add the quartered potatoes, the green beans, lentils, scallions, capers, Piquillo peppers and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, salt, pepper, mustards and tarragon. Add the lemon juice/zest and mix well. Incorporate the EVOO until all ingredients have emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
Allow the dressing to marry well with the ingredients for about 30 minutes before serving. Best served at room temperature.
