This vegan warm lentil salad with smoked tofu is a plant-based twist on the classic French “Lentilles aux Lardons” (Lentils with Bacon). I have replaced the bacon with smoked tofu which has a delicious savoury, smoky flavour. The dish combines hearty lentils with fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
![Warm Lentil Salad With Smoked Tofu [vegan] by The Flexitarian](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Warm-Lentil-Salad-With-Smoked-Tofu-600.jpg)
Vegan Warm Lentil Salad with Smoked Tofu: A Plant-Based Twist on a French Classic
Looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s both vegan and full of flavour? This warm lentil salad with smoked tofu is both satisfying and nutritious.
Inspired by the classic French “Lentilles aux Lardons,” this dish combines earthy lentils, smoky tofu, and fresh veggies, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavours. Whether you are serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing buffet dish, it’s a simple yet delicious recipe. You can eat it warm but it is also delicious at room temperature.
Warm salads are the perfect transition from “soup weather” into spring. They combine comforting warmth with fresh, seasonal ingredients, making them ideal for this in-between season.
I like to use Puy lentils because of their firm texture and nutty flavour, which hold up well in salads and dishes. They also absorb flavours beautifully without turning mushy. Their unique taste and appearance make them a popular choice in French cuisine. You can replace them with green or black lentils.
Other lentil salads to try
- Lentil Tabbouleh Salad
- Lentil & Beetroot Salad
- Curried Lentil, Brown Rice & Parsnip Salad
- Winter Puy Lentil Salad with Beetroot, Orange and Spinach
I hope you enjoy this warm lentil salad with smoked tofu recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
![Warm Lentil Salad With Smoked Tofu [vegan] by The Flexitarian](https://theflexitarian.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Warm-Lentil-Salad-With-Smoked-Tofu-800-300x300.jpg)
Warm Lentil Salad With Smoked Tofu
Equipment
Disclaimer: the equipment list above includes affiliate links to products I use and like.
Ingredients
- 350 g Puy lentils
- 200 g smoked tofu
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 medium leek
- 1 onion – finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 5 Tbsp olive oil + extra for frying
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 Tbsp capers
- 1- 2 handful fresh parsley leaves – finely chopped
- 750 ml vegetable stock
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Place the vegetable stock and lentils in a pan. Cook for around 15 mins until the liquid has evaporated and the lentils are cooked but still have a bite (if the lentils take longer to cook add more liquid). When the lentils are cooked, drain any leftover liquid from the lentils and keep covered.750 ml vegetable stock, 350 g Puy lentils
- In the meantime heat some olive oil in a casserole dish. Gently fry together the onion and 2 crushed garlic cloves until soft while you cut the vegetables.1 onion – finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves – crushed
- Peel the carrots and cut them into small dice. Chop the leek finely.3 medium carrots, 1 medium leek
- Add the cut vegetables in the casserole dish. Add the bay leaves and thyme and cook at medium heat until vegetables are soft. (Add more olive if necessary)2 bay leaves, 2 tsp dried thyme
- Once the vegetables are soft, add lentils and diced smoked tofu. Mix well.200 g smoked tofu
- Make the dressing in a separate bowl by mixing together mustard, 5 Tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar and 1 crushed garlic clove.3 tsp wholegrain mustard, 5 Tbsp olive oil + extra for frying, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Add the dressing to the lentil salad along with the capers and finely chopped parsley leaves. Toss well. Season to taste.2-3 Tbsp capers, 1- 2 handful fresh parsley leaves – finely chopped, salt & pepper
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
Find this recipe online:
Warm Lentil Salad With Smoked Tofu
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/warm-lentil-salad-smoked-tofu-vegan/
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