Lentil Mango Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried brown lentils
• 1 medium mango or apple
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 large lemon
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

• ½ cup minced fresh parsley and/or cilantro
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or toasted coconut

Materials

• Colander
• Cutting board
• Fork
• Large bowl
• Large pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl

Instructions

In Advance

1. In a large pot, add lentils. Cover with water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.

Preparation

1. 2. Rinse, peel, and dice mango. Rinse and dice bell pepper.
   3. Rinse lemon and cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.
   4. If using, rinse and chop cilantro. Chop walnuts or toasted coconut.
   5. In a large bowl, use a fork to whisk together lemon juice, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add cooked lentils, mango, and bell pepper. Mix well. If using, stir in herbs and nuts or coconut.

Chef’s Notes

• This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add more lemon juice to kick the flavor back up after sitting.
• Serve as a light main dish using seasonal summer mangoes or fall apples. Top with chicken or pork if you like.
• For best flavor, use olive oil in place of canola oil if available.