French Lentil & Caramelized Onion Salad

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A humble bowl of earthy lentils, sweet onions, and slow-grown gratitude.

🌿 Introduction

This French Lentil & Caramelized Onion Salad feels like the kind of food that teaches you how to slow down. It’s built on patience — waiting for the onions to caramelize, the lentils to soften, and the flavors to deepen — but the result is something quietly extraordinary.

I first made this recipe on one of those chilly December evenings when I needed a reset — something wholesome but deeply satisfying. The onions turned golden, the thyme filled the kitchen with warmth, and I found myself breathing easier. Lentils remind me that simple can be sacred — nourishment that doesn’t shout but sustains.

This is a salad for slow evenings, thoughtful conversations, and the kind of peace that comes only when we stop hurrying.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy, nourishing, and full of deep, comforting flavor.
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
• Balanced sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes.
• Delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled.
• Ideal for make-ahead meals and winter gatherings.

🕰️ Quick Reference Snapshot

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Equipment: Skillet, saucepan, colander
Dietary Info: Vegan, gluten-free

🧅 Ingredients

(US + Metric)

• 1 cup (200 g) French green lentils (du Puy or similar), rinsed
• 3 cups (720 mL) water or Golden Garden Vegetable Broth
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup (60 g) crumbled goat cheese or chopped walnuts

🌱 Seasonal Swaps

• Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• Add roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets for extra heartiness.
• Top with feta and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

🌿 From My Garden

In winter, my thyme holds steady — a quiet companion through the cold months. I often brush my hand over its leaves just to breathe in its scent, a reminder that endurance can be fragrant, too. This salad feels the same: steady, simple, and quietly full of life.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook the Lentils

1. Combine lentils and broth in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
3. Drain and set aside.

Caramelize the Onions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low.
2. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender — about 25–30 minutes.
3. Stir in balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme; cook 2 minutes more.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a bowl, whisk red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss warm lentils with caramelized onions and dressing.
3. Add cheese or nuts if desired.

🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serve warm with Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath or Garden Herb Popovers.
• Pair with Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Tart for a rustic winter meal.
• Enjoy with a mug of Carrot Ginger Soup with Coconut & Lime.
• Add as a side to Rustic Apple-Sage Pork Chops or Roasted Garlic Chicken.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Keeps up to 4 days in the refrigerator; flavors deepen overnight.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Perfect for lunch meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.

✨ Final Thoughts

This dish reminds me that slow doesn’t mean stagnant — it means steady, layered, and alive. The way the onions turn sweet over time, the lentils soften without losing their strength — it’s a reflection of grace at work in quiet, unseen ways.

As you stir and taste, may you be reminded that good things — in food and in faith — are often born in the waiting. 🌿💛

🤝 Community & Connection

• Instagram — Daily garden moments & behind-the-scenes; tag your dish so I can cheer you on! 🌿📸
• Subscribe — Fresh recipes, seasonal tips, and printable freebies delivered weekly. ✉🍂
• Join FB Group — Ask questions, swap ideas, and share what’s growing with a kind, garden-loving community. 🌱🫶

🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours

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• Skillet set — perfect for caramelizing onions slowly and evenly.
• Wooden spoon set — for stirring with care and control.
• Glass storage containers — ideal for fridge-to-table meal prep.

🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine

• [Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Tart] — A stunning, colorful pairing for this earthy salad.
• [Italian Herb Focaccia Wreath] — Tear and dip with this lentil dressing.
• [Moroccan Chickpea Stew with Preserved Lemons] — Another protein-rich, plant-forward meal.
• [Carrot Ginger Soup with Coconut & Lime] — A bright, cozy bowl to complement this salad.
• [Pear & Thyme Upside-Down Cake] — End your meal with something soft and sweet.