This simple yet sophisticated lentil bowl is flecked with fresh herbs, creamy goat cheese, a handful of heart-healthy nuts or seeds, and flavor-forward bits of hot smoked sockeye salmon, all tossed together in a homemade red wine vinaigrette. It’s a hot smoked salmon recipe that’s wonderful as a full meal or as a hearty side dish, easy to pack up for a picnic, and just might be your next go-to dish for meal-prepped lunches and weeknight meals.
Which Lentils Are Best for Salad?
Choose a black (aka beluga) or French (aka Puy) lentil for this lentil bowl, as these varieties won’t fall apart into mush when cooked. If you only have brown or red lentils in your pantry, simmer and stir them as gently as possible while cooking so that they don’t break down too much along the way.
As for whether to use dried or canned lentils, your decision should come down to how much time you have to make this meal. Using home-cooked lentils will give you the best texture by far, but can take up to 45 minutes to cook depending on the variety. Making this recipe with ready-to-eat lentils from a pouch or can, on the other hand, makes this a no-cook meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Why Use Hot Smoked Salmon
Hot smoked sockeye salmon is an instant source of umami — no seasoning or cooking required. Wild Alaskan Company's hot smoked sockeye is peppered, so it adds a spicy burst of flavor to this earthy lentil bowl.
Hot smoked sockeye is addictively delicious and it's all natural, containing absolutely no artificial preservatives or additives. It's also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. As a lean, nutritious, ready-to-eat protein, it's the perfect complement to lentils.
