Have you tried Puy lentils yet? These are small, green lentils from France and have a slight peppery flavor and a firm, yet tender, texture. They hold their shape well and are ideal for a salad, but they do take longer to cook than most other lentils. They do not, however, need pre-soaking. In this salad the mint and lemon juice add a lively, fresh taste, while the balsamic vinegar adds a mellow sweetness.