courtesy of David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl, Food and WIne Magazine

Main-course salads are perfect for light dinners; this one—with nourishing lentils, almonds and plenty of spice-roasted cauliflower—is delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients
1/2 cup raw almonds
1 cup beluga or green lentils, rinsed
1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch florets
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of cayenne
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
10 dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 small red onion, sliced
4 cups loosely packed spinach or arugula



Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds in a pie plate and toast for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop. Increase the oven temperature to 425°.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until tender, 20 minutes. Drain well and let cool.
3. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with the 1/4 cup of olive oil and the cumin, cinnamon, ginger and cayenne; season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, turning, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the tahini with the lemon juice, honey, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add the lentils and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Scrape the roasted cauliflower into the bowl and add the toasted almonds, dates, onion and spinach. Toss the salad, transfer to a platter and serve.