Summer Pasta And Lentil Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
• Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, 2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add the pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, radishes, corn, shallot, parsley and dill. Toss to combine and allow to marinate at room temperature for least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Steps:

• In the bottom of a mixing bowl combine the oils, vinegar and Dijon mustard. Pass the garlic through a press into the dressing and season it well with salt and pepper. Add all the ingredients but the pine nuts and toss to blend. Adjust the seasoning; add a bit more of whatever you think the salad needs.
• Top each portion of salad with the pine nuts.

Steps:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 5 cups of water, the lentils, the thyme and bay leaves (if using). Partially cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are al dente, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil over high. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 20 minutes. (It may take longer than the cook time on the package.) If the pot starts to look dry at any point, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time.
• Turn off the heat, discard the thyme and bay leaves, then stir in the Parmesan. Cover and let sit for 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Steps:

• For the pasta salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers and scallions and combine. Set aside.
• For the avocado dressing: Combine the yogurt, lime juice, honey, garlic and avocado in a blender until pureed, scraping down the sides as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the dressing to the large bowl and toss to combine.
• Garnish the pasta salad with the Cotija and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Boil the lentils following pack instructions, drain, rinse well, then drain thoroughly.
• Meanwhile, mix the citrus juices, vinegar and a pinch of salt in a salad bowl, then toss in the onion rings - after a few mins they will soften and turn pink. Whisk together the oil, cumin, garlic and chutney, then toss into the onions with the cooled lentils, coriander, tomatoes, spinach and plenty of seasoning.