

Chicken & Puy lentil salad
A salad for all seasons
Servings
4
About this recipe
Puy lentils don’t need soaking and can be cooked just like rice, so are a quick and easy source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals to add to salads, soups, curries and casseroles. Be careful not to overcook them, as they are delicious with a little ‘bite’ to them. This recipe also works well with firm fish such as salmon or cod.

Ingredients
2 large (or 4 small) chicken breasts, skinned
1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
Juice of a lemon
5 tablespoons olive oil
300 grams cherry tomatoes
225 grams Puy lentils, rinsed
3 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
100 grams mixed salad leaves e.g. rocket, baby spinach
100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Step 1
Using a sharp knife, make a few long, shallow incisions on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2
Place the chicken in a bowl and add the ground coriander, garlic, a pinch of black pepper, two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of the olive oil. Mix the marinade with the chicken in a bowl, making sure all the meat is evenly coated in the marinade. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes (or one hour if you have the time).
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 220C. When the oven is hot, spread the chicken out on a baking tray, add the cherry tomatoes and bake for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, cut into the breast with a knife. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, place the lentils in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to the boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes, until cooked through.
Step 5
When cooked, drain the lentils, dress them with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice and chopped coriander and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6
To serve, slice the chicken thinly and toss with the lentils (they can be still warm) and the mixed salad leaves. Place on plates or in a large bowl and sprinkle with the crumbled feta and a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar.