Name: Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups vegetable broth; 3 cups dried green lentils; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils; 1 cup toasted sliced almonds; 1 1/2 cups chopped green onions; 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup almond oil (or olive oil); 1 tablespoon Sriracha; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for a salad that is anything but ordinary, this Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is about to sweep you off your feet! Nutty lentils and crisp veggies mingle with sweet-tart pomegranate and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a bold, apple-butter-infused dressing that’s perfectly spiked with Sriracha heat. Every bite is bursting with an irresistible mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, looking for a sturdy lunch, or just craving a healthy dish that never feels like “diet food,” this salad promises to be a go-to favorite for every season.

Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is truly in the sum of its parts—each ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Don’t worry, nothing is fussy or hard to find, but the magic happens when these components come together.

Vegetable broth: Cooking your lentils in broth instead of water infuses them with deeper flavor right from the start.
Dried green lentils: Green lentils hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for salads with a bit of bite.
Garlic: Just a couple of minced cloves add subtle warmth and a savory backbone to the lentils.
Pomegranate arils: These little jewels add sweet-tart bursts of flavor and gorgeous color—don’t skip them if you want this salad to truly shine!
Toasted sliced almonds: The toasting step unlocks their nutty aroma and delivers that irresistible crunch.
Chopped green onions: A handful of green onions brightens the salad and offers just the right hint of zingy freshness.
Musselman’s Apple Butter: This unexpected addition is the sweet secret behind your new favorite vinaigrette.
Apple cider vinegar: Bold and tangy, it balances the apple butter and brings vibrancy to the dressing.
Almond oil (or olive oil): Almond oil lends a delicate, slightly sweet richness—use olive oil if you prefer or that’s what you have on hand.
Sriracha: A hit of Sriracha adds gentle heat and complexity, turning your vinaigrette from simple to unforgettable.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget these—seasoning is everything when it comes to waking up all the other flavors!

How to Make Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Step 1: Simmer the Lentils

Start by pouring your vegetable broth into a large stockpot and bringing it to a boil—this is the start of some seriously flavorful lentils! Add the dried green lentils and minced garlic, give it all a good stir, then drop the heat to medium-low. Let the lentils gently simmer for about 20 minutes. You want them tender but still pleasantly firm, not mushy. Once done, drain off any extra broth and let the lentils cool off in a big salad bowl.

Step 2: Build the Salad

When your lentils have cooled down (they can still be a little warm, just not piping hot), it’s time for the supporting cast to make their entrance. Toss in those glistening pomegranate arils, the crunchy toasted almonds, and the bright green onions. Each addition adds a layer of flavor, color, and excitement—it already looks stunning!

Step 3: Whisk the Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Now for the Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette’s showstopper moment: the dressing! In a small bowl, measure out your Musselman’s Apple Butter, apple cider vinegar, almond oil (or olive oil), and Sriracha. Whisk it until perfectly smooth and glossy, then add salt and pepper to taste. The result? A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy vinaigrette that’s so good you might want to drizzle it on everything.

Step 4: Toss and Taste

Pour the Apple Cider Vinaigrette over your lentil and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together so the vinaigrette coats every nook and cranny. Adjust salt and pepper one last time, and you’re done! This Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette can be served right away at room temperature or chilled—you’ll love it either way.

How to Serve Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch by scattering a few extra pomegranate arils and toasted almonds over the top just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs (think parsley or mint) adds even more color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. If you like a little extra heat, a drizzle of Sriracha or a few twists of black pepper makes a fabulous finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is hearty enough to fly solo for lunch, but it also shines as a side. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a simple omelet for a balanced, satisfying meal. A warm baguette or herby flatbread on the side makes it feel extra special without any extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by spooning the salad into endive leaves for a fun, eat-with-your-hands appetizer, or layer it in mason jars for a portable lunch that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty. On a big platter, arrange the salad in a ring and fill the center with extra Apple Cider Vinaigrette for dipping—so pretty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), scoop them into an airtight container and stash in the refrigerator. The Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette keeps well for up to three days. If possible, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving, but if everything’s already mixed, just give it a good stir before you dig in.

Freezing

While cooked lentils generally freeze well, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. The fresh pomegranate arils and toasted almonds can lose their texture and pop after freezing. If you want to prep in advance, freeze the cooked and cooled lentils, then add the mix-ins and dressing the day you plan to serve.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, making it the ultimate low-maintenance dish! If you’d like it slightly warm, gently heat the lentils alone before adding the fresh ingredients and vinaigrette—don’t microwave the finished salad, as it affects the texture of the pomegranates and nuts.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lentil?

Green lentils are perfect for this recipe because they hold their shape so well, but French lentils (also called Lentilles du Puy) make a great alternative if you want something a little firmer. Red or yellow lentils cook too quickly and will go mushy, so stick with green or French for best results.

Is there a substitute for Musselman’s Apple Butter?

If you can’t find Musselman’s specifically, any high-quality apple butter will do. Homemade apple butter is also a fantastic option if you have some! Just make sure it’s nice and thick to give the vinaigrette body and sweetness.

I’m allergic to nuts—what can I use instead of almonds and almond oil?

No worries! Swap the almonds for toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for that same satisfying crunch. Use olive oil in place of almond oil, and you’ll still have a salad that’s completely irresistible and safe for nut-free guests.

How spicy is the Apple Cider Vinaigrette?

The Sriracha gives a gentle, pleasant kick without overwhelming the other flavors. If you love heat, feel free to add a little extra! For a completely mild option, you can omit the Sriracha or use just a tiny dab.

Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?

Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully to suit your needs. Halve it for a simple family dinner, or double (or triple) it for a crowd. The Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette will still taste fantastic, no matter how much you make.

Final Thoughts

Lentil Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is the kind of dish that just might surprise you—it’s hearty, vibrant, and never boring. If you haven’t tried it yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a spot on your table soon and prepare for rave reviews from family and friends!