lentil-white bean salad

Last night I decided I wanted to make a salad for my lunches this week.  I put together a couple things I love: lentils, beans, and broccoli, and made a dressing inspired by the quinoa salad recipe I got from my mom.  The result?  A delicious, fresh, perfect summer salad!

Lentil-White Bean Salad

1/2c. dried lentils

1/2c. dried white beans

1 bag frozen chopped broccoli

2 carrots, diced

Dressing:

2T. olive oil

1T. lemon juice

2t. italian seasonings

1t. salt

1t. cumin

1/2t. dried ground mustard

1t. sugar

3 cloves garlic, pressed

Soak lentils and beans in 5c. water for 6-8 hours.  Drain and rinse.  Combine lentils and beans in 5c. water and bring to a boil.  Simmer until soft (45 minutes to an hour).  Once soft, add the bag of frozen broccoli.  Return to boil and simmer for another 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and drain.  In a large bowl, combine the lentils, beans, broccoli, and carrots.  Stir.  In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk together.  Pour over the lentil-bean mixture.  Stir until well-blended.  Chill before serving.  Makes about 6 servings (or 4 big ones).

You can play around with this a little - I think it could handle more white beans and lentils - maybe 3/4c. of each?  And if you're not a big garlic person go down to 1 or 2 cloves - 3 is pretty strong (but delicious!).

I'm working through lunch today so I can get out early for a run (it's going to be H-O-T), before birthday celebrations for a dear friend:

Happy birthday, Lauren!!!  We're going to have pizza and cake and watch Toy Story 3.  It sounds kid-ish and wonderful, yes?

(PS - Seeing that picture I want my hair longer again, like now.  Somewhere Dave pumps his fist in joy and happiness.)