Beet and Red Cabbage Salad with Lentils and Blue Cheese

• 1/2 cup French green lentils
• Salt
• 4 ounces thickly sliced bacon, cut crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds vacuum-packed beets, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 1/2 pound red cabbage, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch pieces
• 1/4 pound green-leaf lettuce, torn into large pieces
• 1/4 pound blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled (about 1 cup)

1. In a small pot, cover the lentils with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and simmer the lentils over moderate heat until they are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Drain the lentils, rinse with cold water and then drain again.
4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towellined plate.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the oil with the lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
7. In a large bowl, toss the beets, parsley and lentils with one-third of the dressing.
8. Add the cabbage, lettuce and the remaining dressing and toss gently.
9. Season the salad with salt and pepper, top with the bacon and blue cheese and serve.

salt, bacon, extravirgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, beets, parsley, red cabbage, greenleaf lettuce, blue cheese

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beet-and-red-cabbage-salad-lentils-and-blue-cheese (may not work)