Warm Green Lentil Salad with Pan-Seared Fish

Lentils are so good for you!

*They have high levels of soluble fiber (possibly helping to reduce cholesterol)
*Almost fat-free
*High in protein
*High in folate and magnesium

If you want to eat light - get more lentils in your diet.

Green lentils have more of a nutty flavor and they taste amazing in salads or spreads (even burgers). We had some fish available so we wanted to eat fish with something light for dinner.

I made this lentil salad to go with it! (and some steamed broccoli just because)
It's extremely easy!!

You'll need

• 1 cup green lentils
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 orange (juiced)
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 1/4 cup finely julienned red or white onion
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp agave or honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• fresh fish filets (we used halibut) --> you can use red snapper, tilapia or even salmon.

1. Prepare the lentils: boil water and add lentils. Simmer on medium heat for 20-25 minutes. If there is still a lot of water left you can drain in a colander. Lentils should be soft but crunchy almost. Set aside.

2.  Start pan-frying the fish. Our halibut filets took about  5 minutes per side (it can take longer depending on the thickness of the fish). If you're using salmon - try to pan fry 80% of the time on the skin side. 

3. Add orange juice, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and olive oil to a bowl. 

4. Add onions to the bowl and set aside for 5 minutes (quick pickling).

5. Then, mix in in the olive oil, salt, pepper, coriander, honey/agave and mustard to the bowl and mix well.

6. Add the drained lentils, mint and cilantro to the bowl.

7.  Serve fish over lentil salad.

Pam & Oscar