Lentil Salad with Basil Dressing

Soup was supposed to be on the menu for tonight. Mother Nature decided that is should be 87 degrees here today and I decided it was not a good day for soup. Instead we grilled out burgers and I made this lentil salad as a side. We do enjoy lentils in our house, they are easy to make, filling and full of protein. This salad was fresh and yummy and perfect with our grilled burgers! Healthy too!

Lentil Salad with Basil Dressing From Cooking with Healthyroads

4 cups water
1 cup dried red lentils (I used green)
1 tsp cumin
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (omitted since I didn't have any)
1 T. cilantro
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 T olive oil
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a saucepan, place 4 cups of water, lentils and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender. Drain and allow to cool.

Combine 1/2 cup water and cornstarch in a small saucepan; stirring with a whisk until the cornstarch dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook and additional minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool. Stir in vinegar and remaining ingredients. Cover and chill.

In a large bowl, add cold lentils, onions, carrots, tomatoes and cilantro and mix together. Pour dressing over salad and combine together.