Posted on by Caroline Crootjans

Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad – by Jamie Oliver

A Healthy & Delicious Treat

When a close friend needed fresh, easy, and delicious low-fat recipes after a recent heart condition diagnosis, we turned to Jamie Oliver for inspiration. For a birthday treat, we chose his Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad—a simple, flavourful dish that promised to deliver both nutrition and taste. To elevate the meal further, we paired it with a fillet of sea bass, complementing the textures and flavours beautifully. The finishing touch? A glass of BORDEAUX CLASSIQUE SAUTERNES, GINESTET—an elegant, fresh, and highly enjoyable dessert wine.

Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad with a fillet of pan-seared sea bass served with A glass of BORDEAUX CLASSIQUE SAUTERNES, GINESTET
Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad with a fillet of pan-seared sea bass
TASTY WARM LENTIL SALAD taken from the book '5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food' By Jamie Oliver

Recipe Breakdown & Cooking Experience

Ingredients:

  • 1 × 50g tin of anchovies in oil
  • 1 preserved lemon (20g)
  • 400g tender stem broccoli
  • 1-2 fresh mixed-colour chillies
  • 2 × 250g packets of cooked lentils
  • 1 tbsp preserved lemon liquor
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus ½ tbsp for garnish)
  • Splash of water
  • Salt (for blanching broccoli)

Method:

  1. Blitz the anchovies with 1 tbsp of preserved lemon liquor and a splash of water until smooth, adding more water if necessary.
  2. Trim and blanch the broccoli in salted water for 3 minutes until just tender.
  3. Quarter the preserved lemon, remove the seedy core, and finely chop the rind.
  4. Finely slice the chillies.
  5. Drain the broccoli and toss it in a pan with the preserved lemon, most of the chilli, and 1 tbsp of olive oil.
  6. Add the lentils and toss for 2 minutes.
  7. Serve by drizzling over the anchovy dressing, scattering the reserved chilli, and finishing with ½ tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

The Verdict of Jamie Oliver’s Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad

Taste & Texture:

This dish delivered an incredible balance of bold flavours—the briny depth of anchovies, the citrusy zing of preserved lemon, and the warmth of fresh chillies. The tender stem broccoli provided a satisfying crunch, while the lentils added a hearty, earthy base.

Ease of Cooking:

A fantastic quick and easy recipe—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The anchovy dressing was a game-changer, coming together in seconds, and the entire dish was prepped and plated in under 20 minutes.

Our Addition – Sea Bass & Wine Pairing

We decided to serve this lentil salad with a fillet of pan-seared sea bass, which paired beautifully with the dish. The crisp, golden skin and delicate, flaky fish worked harmoniously with the zesty preserved lemon and umami-rich anchovy dressing.

The BORDEAUX CLASSIQUE SAUTERNES, GINESTET added a sweet contrast to the savoury flavours. This dessert wine, with its elegant and fresh profile, enhanced the meal and made the dining experience feel truly special.

Final Thought Jamie Oliver’s Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad

Jamie Oliver’s Low Fat Warm Lentil Salad is a winner for anyone seeking a nutritious, heart-friendly meal without compromising on taste. The ease of preparation, robust flavours, and versatility make this a go-to recipe. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a fillet of sea bass, this dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Would we make it again? Absolutely!