Lentil and Rice Salad

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Light Summer Nights

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (87)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(87)

Cook Time:
30 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 30 min
Total:: 50 min

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups dried green lentils
2 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus 2 cups
1 bay leaf
1 cup long-grain white rice
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan. Add the carrot, onion, and garlic and saute until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lentils. Add 2 1/2 cups of broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Decrease the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer gently until the lentils are just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well. Transfer the lentils to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, bring the remaining 2 cups broth and bay leaf to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the rice and return the broth to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes (do not stir the rice as it cooks). Remove the saucepan from the heat. Fluff the rice with a large fork. Transfer to the bowl with the lentils. Add the olives, parsley, thyme, and lemon peel. Toss the rice mixture with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
chastity athens, AL 09-03-2009
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AWESOME!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Loved this recipe!! I used the zest of a whole lemon and a great wild rice mix with french green lentils!!
recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
null null, null 08-10-2009
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Simple, healthy, and delicious
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

This recipe was a big hit with my husband and brother, both who thought it was better the next day for lunch. I also... substituted brown rice and it really went well with the lentils. I gave the recipe 4 out of 5 stars because it does seem like there is a little something missing that would set this recipe over the top. I have made this twice now, the second time I double the carrots and celery to add a bit more color, veggies, and variety to this salad. This is also very versatile as we have tried it, warm, cold, as a side dish, in a lunch wrap with some veggies, and my favorite on top of a bed of spinach as a bigger salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and some feta. Read more
recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
Kristin Detroit, MI 07-27-2009
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The trifecta of easy, tasty and healthy
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I made this last night and tried it today for lunch. I thought it was a light yet filling alternative to a turkey sandwich or... other typical lunch fare. I didn't modify the recipe much except to use veggie broth instead of chicken, sub brown rice for white, omit the olives (which I don't care for), and use a bit of lemon juice instead of zest, as that's what I had on hand. I also made the rice and lentils risotto-style, adding broth only as I needed it, for fear that I would waste too much. All in all, a great, yummy vegetarian-friendly salad.Read more
recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
Jane Norfolk, VA 07-21-2009
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Just So-So
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

I had high hopes for this dish but found it to be only OK. It is perfectly fine but doesn't pop. I am a vegetarian, so maybe... my standards are higher for veggie dishes. I would not make this again.Read more
recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
Jerry Windsor, CT 07-14-2009
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Superb
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Everyone in the family loved this recipe. Would absolutely serve this to guests. The flavors are bright, the dish is... beautiful. Nice job, Giada!Read more
recipe Lentil and Rice Salad
Debbie Haymarket, VA 07-11-2009
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Another Keeper
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

As always, Giada presents us with another great recipe. Followed the recipe exactly and got rave reviews. I served it along... side Giada's Chicken Piccata (another winner). Oh so delicious!! Don't hesitate to make either of these wonderful dishes.Read more