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Lentil Salad Recipe

One Of The Best Camping Recipes I Know

This lentil salad recipe makes a perfect camping meal. You do all the prep work at home, so at camp there is nothing to do but enjoy!

This salad is substantial enough to be a main course. It's a perfect entrée on a hot day.

It also makes a lovely side dish.

This recipe makes enough for 4 main dish servings. It's easily halved or multiplied.

Of course, this lentil salad recipe is not just for camping! It's a delicious summer meal to eat at home or at the cottage, or to take to a potluck.

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Making the lentil salad recipe at home

In a large pot, put

1 cup/250 mL dry green lentils
1 cup/250 mL pearl barley or pot barley

Add water to cover by a couple of inches.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat.

Simmer vigorously until the lentils and barley are tender (about 45 minutes).

Drain well and set aside to cool.

In the meantime, prepare

• 2 cups/500 mL cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups/500 mL fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 cup/250 mL feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

Get out a large bowl.

Put the cooled lentils and barley in the bowl.

Add the tomatoes, spinach, feta and onion.

Stir gently.

Grind some pepper over it all.

In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, mix

• 1/4 cup/60 mL olive oil

• 1/4 cup/60 mL balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp/5 mL maple syrup

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Shake vigorously to mix.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Refrigerate.

Put the salad in a bowl with a tightly-fitting lid.

Place in the cooler.

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At camp

Eat this salad during the first few days of your camping trip.

Be creative!

Feel free to substitute your favorite ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Try using parsley or Swiss chard instead of the spinach. 

• Use green onions instead of the red onion. 

• Substitute lemon juice for the balsamic vinegar. 

• Don't have maple syrup? Use honey instead.

Use your imagination!

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I have lots of other great camping food ideas, too!

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