Trader Joe's + Lentils

 My sister was telling me about this salad she made with French green lentils, but by the time I stopped at Trader Joe's I knew there was no way I was going to make it to actually cooking green lentils and then tossing together a salad.  I'm trying to make healthier choices all day long so when I saw Trader Joe's steamed lentils...I knew this was the short cut I needed to stop me from veering off the healthy eating trail.  I still had to chop a few things, but the steamed lentils ready to eat right out of the package was just what I needed.  I did warm them, but that only took three minutes in the microwave.

Shallots, carrot, yellow bell pepper, fresh parsley and arugula.

I sauteed the thinly sliced shallots in a little olive oil until soft and then added my diced carrot and bell pepper.  Season with salt and pepper.

Cook until all the vegetables are tender and add them to the lentils.  Add the parsley,  arugula,  a little more olive oil and a splash of balsamic.  Toss together and then add a small amount of crumbled goat cheese.  I freeze my goat cheese for a couple of minutes, then crumble it into the salad and toss gently.  This way the cheese does not melt too quickly.

Enjoy!

Available at Trader Joe's for $2.99. 

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