Mixed Greens with Crispy Lentils

It’s the new year and I decided that after some holiday weight gain, I am going to try and be a little healthier this winter. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the miserable weather and just sit on the couch eating Cheetos, but I also find it easier to eat healthy than in the summer because I’m home anyway and not constantly out at BBQ’s and parties.

I was over a my friend Lauren’s house for brunch this past weekend and she served a salad very similar with crispy lentils on top. The crunch of the lentils mixed with the tartness of the pomegranate seeds- I had to replicate it somehow. By the time I was done tweaking the recipe, I had pretty much changed the entire recipe except for the pomegranate and crispy lentils.

This is a fabulous salad for entertaining and worth gossiping about!

Mixed Greens Salad with Crispy Lentils

Yield: 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS:
Salad:
1 pkg mixed greens, I used spinach and arugula mix
1 can lentils, drained and dried
2 oranges
1 pomegranate, seeds only
1/4 red onion, cut very thinly
2 tbsp feta, crumbled
Paprika, sprinkle
Garlic powder, sprinkle
Italian seasoning, sprinkle
Salt/pepper, to taste
Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
Salt/pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. On a greased baking tray, place drained and dry lentils on top and spread out so its in one layer. Spray with cooking spray and then sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt and pepper. Mix with a spatula and then flatten out into one layer. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, mixing once half way through. Set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile in a small bowl, prepare the orange slices. Cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Then cut the peel, including the outer pith, off all the way around with a pairing knife. Holding the orange in your hand and over a bowl, slice the orange in between the pith of each slice and remove the flesh. Once done, squeeze out all the juice into the bowl. Continue until both oranges are complete. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk together.
4. In a large bowl or serving dish, mix together greens, oranges, onions, feta and crispy lentil. Toss with dressing. Enjoy!