This newsletter is brought to you by Topanga Properties

proud sponsor of:

BUYERS  •  SELLERS •  NOTARY PUBLIC

July 2026 Topanga Market Report

Current Topanga Listings

Featured Land Listings

Recently Sold

Our Blog

🐟 Rescuing Topanga Creek’s Endangered Steelhead

In the weeks following the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Topanga Creek faced another serious threat. The fire had heavily damaged the surrounding riparian corridor, and with rain on the way, ash and loose sediment were expected to wash into the creek, putting the endangered southern steelhead and other aquatic life at risk.

The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains joined forces with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board, Caltrans, the Watershed Stewards Program, AmeriCorps, and the California Conservation Corps to reach the fish before the approaching storms could further damage their habitat.

Working in Topanga Creek, the team rescued more than 250 endangered southern steelhead and transferred them to a safer location. This short film documents the rescue and offers a fascinating look at the work taking place behind the scenes to protect one of the canyon’s most vulnerable native species following the fire.

🎭 Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

🎼 Currents: Composers in Concert

Theatricum’s Under the Oaks series opens September with an evening of original music by Los Angeles film, media, and concert composers. Curated and produced by Emersion Music, the program gives audiences a chance to hear contemporary work performed in Theatricum’s outdoor setting.

📅 Thursday, September 3 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🏴‍☠️ Treasure Island Reimagined

Ellen Geer’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate adventure returns throughout September with treasure, danger, and plenty of theatrical energy beneath the trees. It’s a fun outdoor production for families with older children, teens, and adults who enjoy a classic adventure story.

📅 Friday, September 4 • 7:30 PM
📅 Saturday, September 12 • 8:00 PM
📅 Sunday, September 20 • 7:30 PM
📅 Sunday, September 27 • 3:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🔥 The People of Pompeii

Bernardo Cubría’s contemporary dark comedy takes place in the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles fires, using a dinner gathering to explore questions of home, community, loss, and privilege. A talkback follows every performance, giving audiences an opportunity to continue the conversation with members of the production.

📅 Saturday, September 5 • 7:30 PM
📅 Sunday, September 13 • 7:30 PM
📅 Saturday, September 19 • 7:30 PM
📅 Saturday, September 26 • 3:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🎭 Noël Coward’s Waiting in the Wings

Noël Coward’s comedy follows a group of retired actresses living together in a charitable home, where old rivalries, friendships, and strong personalities remain very much alive. It’s a thoughtful and funny choice for theatergoers who enjoy sharp dialogue and character-driven stories.

📅 Sunday, September 6 • 7:30 PM
📅 Sundays, September 13 & 20 • 3:30 PM
📅 Friday, September 25 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

✨ A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Theatricum’s wooded hillside becomes Shakespeare’s enchanted forest for this longtime favorite filled with mischievous fairies, romantic mix-ups, and plenty of comedy. The natural setting makes the play feel especially at home in Topanga.

📅 Monday, September 7 • 6:00 PM
📅 Sunday, September 27 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🍺 Beer! A New Musical

Jennifer Chang and Inara George bring their new musical Beer! to Theatricum as part of the Under the Oaks series. The one-night presentation offers a chance to see new musical theater developing on the outdoor stage.

📅 Thursday, September 10 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

💔 Romeo and Juliet

Theatricum reimagines Shakespeare’s young lovers in Gilded Age New York, where social divisions and family loyalties add another layer to the familiar tragedy. The canyon setting keeps the production close and immediate while still giving the story plenty of scale.

📅 Fridays, September 11 & 18 • 7:30 PM
📅 Saturday, September 26 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🎭 2026 PREPP Showcase

Theatricum’s 2026 PREPP class takes the main stage for an evening of classical scenes and monologues. The showcase gives audiences a chance to see the work developed by this year’s participants in a full performance setting.

📅 Wednesday, September 16 • 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM
📍 Main Stage at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
🚗 Free parking

🎶 Cabaret Theatricum Sings Marvin Gaye

Members of the Theatricum company come together for a cabaret celebrating the music of Marvin Gaye. The program is part of the Thursday Under the Oaks series and offers a different kind of evening at the theater for anyone who loves live music.

📅 Thursday, September 17 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🎤 The Voice of Dr. King with Gerald C. Rivers

Gerald C. Rivers brings the words and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the stage through speeches, music, historical context, and Rivers’ own story. The program draws from some of Dr. King’s lesser-known material as well as the speeches that continue to resonate today.

📅 Thursday, September 24 • 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets required

🔗 Details for all Theatricum Botanicum events HERE

📚 Topanga Library

👶 Welcome to the Library: For Parents and Babies

New parents and caregivers can get acquainted with the library while learning about programs, services, and resources available for young children and families. The short gathering also gives local parents a chance to meet one another in a relaxed setting.

📅 Friday, September 4 • 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👶 Parents, caregivers, and babies
🎟️ Advance registration required

📖 Smarty Pants Storytime

Books, songs, rhymes, and movement help young children build early literacy and school-readiness skills while spending time with a parent or caregiver. The half-hour format keeps things active and manageable for preschool-age children.

📅 Mondays, September 14, 21 & 28 • 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👧 Ages 2 to 5 with a parent or caregiver
🎟️ Advance registration required

🔗 Details & Registration for all Library events HERE

🌿 The Canyon Sages 

(Senior Programs + Events + Wellness)

The Canyon Sages offer regular programs for older adults in Topanga, with movement, music, meditation, book club, dancing, and social time throughout the month. Some events meet at the Topanga Community Center, while others are hosted on Zoom or at a private home. Check the Canyon Sages calendar for details before attending.

💃 Learn Argentine Tango

A friendly Sunday afternoon tango class for seniors who want to learn the basics, enjoy the music, and spend time with other Canyon Sages. The class meets at Barbara Webb’s home, and an RSVP is requested before attending.

📅 Sundays, September 6, 13, 20 & 27 • 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
📍 Barbara Webb’s house
👤 Instructor: Barbara Webb
📞 RSVP: 213-448-8330

💪 Balance and Strength

A steady weekly class focused on strength, balance, mobility, and fall prevention in a supportive senior setting. It’s a good fit for older adults who want to stay active and build more confidence in everyday movement.

📅 Mondays, September 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
📍 Sages Room
👤 Instructor: Kat High
✉️ katcalls@aol.com

🎸 Introduction to Ukulele

A beginner-friendly class for older adults who want to learn the ukulele in a relaxed and social setting. Melanie’s approach is designed for true beginners, so no previous musical experience is needed.

📅 Mondays, September 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
💻 via Zoom
👤 Instructor: Melanie Lawson Kareem
✉️ melanie@getstartedplayingukulele.com

🙋 Sages Volunteer Meeting

The Canyon Sages rely on volunteers for classes, outreach, senior services, special programs, and the many small jobs that keep the organization connected to the community. The September meeting is a chance for current volunteers to catch up and for anyone interested in helping to learn where support is needed.

📅 Monday, September 14 • 12:00 PM
👤 Leader: Canyon Sages Volunteer Team

🎨 Senior Art Class

Will Wicks leads a welcoming art class where older adults can explore foundational techniques, color, composition, and their own creative projects. Materials are supplied, and the class welcomes beginners as well as more experienced artists.

📅 Mondays, September 7 & 21 • 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Senior Class Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Instructor: Will Wicks
🎟️ $10 per class • Materials included
✉️ wwicks3@gmail.com

🧘 Gentle Yoga

A gentle Tuesday morning yoga class combining poses, breathing, and mindfulness, with chair adaptations available when needed. The focus is on stability, flexibility, and maintaining comfortable movement without making the class overly strenuous.

📅 Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 • 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
📍 Senior Class Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Instructor: Justine Lewis
✉️ jlewis@visibleleadership.com

✍️ Senior Memoir Writing Workshop

Author, journalist, and psychologist Mark Hein leads this writing studio for both beginning and experienced memoir writers. Participants can develop personal stories through writing, discussion, and feedback while spending time with others interested in preserving their experiences on the page.

📅 Tuesdays, September 1, 15 & 29 • 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
📍 Senior Class Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Instructor: Mark Hein
✉️ markheindr@gmail.com

🌿 Qigong for Seniors

This gentle class combines flowing movement, breathing, and meditation in a format designed for older adults. The slow, purposeful exercises focus on balance, mobility, relaxation, and maintaining comfortable movement.

📅 Wednesdays, September 9, 16 & 30 • 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
📍 Sages Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Instructor: Will Wicks
🎟️ Suggested donation • $10
✉️ wwicks3@gmail.com

🪑 Yoga / Chair Yoga

A seated and gentle yoga class that supports flexibility, balance, breathing, and ease of movement. It’s a practical option for seniors who want the benefits of yoga without needing to spend the entire class getting up and down from the floor.

📅 Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17 & 24 • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
📍 Senior Class Room, Topanga Community Center
👤 Instructor: Lola Babalon
✉️ lola4babalon@yahoo.com

📚 Bookclub

The Canyon Sages Bookclub brings local readers together for a relaxed monthly discussion and a chance to choose what the group will read next. Bring your thoughts on the current book and settle in for an easy midday conversation with other readers.

📅 Thursday, September 10 • 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
📍 Topanga Library Meeting Room
👤 Leader: Janice Harmon
✉️ janiceharmon@icloud.com

🧘 Meditation

A quiet weekly Zoom gathering for seniors who want a regular meditation practice and some structure in their week. Joining from home makes this an especially accessible option for anyone who prefers not to travel to an in-person class.

📅 Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17 & 24 • 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
💻 via Zoom
👤 Leader: Frank Harper
✉️ f.harper@yahoo.com

🎶 Song Circle

A relaxed music gathering for older adults who enjoy singing, playing an instrument, listening, or being part of a creative group. It’s an easygoing afternoon of music and community led by longtime Canyon Sages Song Circle leader Linnea Richards.

📅 Thursday, September 17 • 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Topanga Community Center
👤 Leader: Linnea Richards
✉️ linric10@hotmail.com

🔗 Details for all events HERE

🏮 Inn of the Seventh Ray

☕ Topanga Chamber Morning Mixer
Start the morning creekside with neighbors, local business owners, nonprofit folks, artists, and other canyon regulars. The monthly mixer is an easy way to hear what’s happening around town over breakfast and coffee, without a formal RSVP.

📅 Wednesday, September 9 • 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM
🍳 Breakfast available for purchase

🔗 Details HERE

🎨 Paint to the Music: A Creative Painting Jam for Everyone

Watercolor and music come together in this weekly creative session led by Will Henry. A rotating playlist sets the mood while participants paint in a relaxed group setting, with supplies provided and food or drinks available for purchase at Endless Color.

📅 Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 • 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM

📍 Endless Color,

👤 Instructor: Will Henry
🎟️ $15 • Supplies included
🔗 Details & Registration HERE

🎬 Topanga Film Festival

🎞️ 20th Topanga Film Festival: REFRAME, Cinema for Uncertain Times

The Topanga Film Festival returns to the Community Center for its 20th year with three days of independent films from around the world, along with panels, workshops, and programming exploring new directions in filmmaking. The Community Center will be transformed with a main screening theater, smaller micro-cinema, food trucks, vendors, and an outdoor bar and lounge.

📅 Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6
📍 Topanga Community Center
🎟️ Check the festival page for the latest screening schedule and ticket information
🔗 Details HERE

👣​ SoCalTrail

🌄 Red Rock Sunset Rumble: 10K & Hiker’s Delight

Runners and hikers head into Topanga’s Red Rock area in the late afternoon for a trail event timed around the September sunset. Participants can choose between the 10K and Hiker’s Delight, with tacos, beer, and an awards gathering planned after the course.

📅 Saturday, September 19
🚌 Shuttles begin • 2:30 PM
🏃 Runner check-in • 3:00 PM
🥾 Hiker’s Delight start • 4:00 PM
🏃 10K start • 4:45 PM
🏆 Awards • 6:00 PM
📍 Red Rock, Topanga
🚗 Off-site parking and shuttle required
🎟️ Advance registration required
🔗 Details & Registration HERE

🎶 Created by Sound

🌙 Nessi Gomes at Butterfly Mountain

Musician, songwriter, and voice guide Nessi Gomes comes to Butterfly Mountain for an afternoon and evening centered around voice and live music. Guests can attend the concert on its own or begin with her three-hour Vocal Odyssey workshop, which combines guided vocal practices, breathwork, movement, improvisation, listening, and group singing. No singing experience is required for the workshop.

📅 Saturday, September 19
🎤 Vocal Odyssey Workshop • 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
🎶 Concert • 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 The Moon Cave at Butterfly Mountain
🎟️ Concert • $135.23
🎟️ Workshop + Concert • $250
🔗 Details & Tickets HERE

🏛️ Topanga Historical Society

🏫 From Schoolhouse to Froggy’s: 100 Years

The Topanga Historical Society looks back at a century of history connected to the building that now houses Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market. The program traces its story from the 1925 Topanga School through its years as the American Legion Hall, several restaurants, and its present-day place in the canyon.

The afternoon begins with a community potluck, followed by a presentation with Lance Roberts and others sharing stories about the building and the people who’ve been part of its history.

📅 Sunday, September 20
🥗 Potluck lunch • 1:00 PM
📖 Presentation • 2:00 PM
📍 Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market
🔗 Details HERE

Creekside in Old Topanga:
Living Beneath a 350-Year-Old Heritage Oak

Set along Old Topanga Canyon Road, this two-bedroom, two-bath home sits beneath a 350-year-old heritage oak that stretches across much of the backyard. The fully fenced property has mature gardens, flat usable yard space in both the front and back, several decks, and a creekside setting. A sunken hot tub sits beneath the oak, surrounded by the garden and shaded by the tree’s enormous canopy.

Inside are hardwood floors, exposed beams and wood ceilings, skylights, French doors, and a wood-burning stove in the main living area. The kitchen has been remodeled, and individual split systems in each room provide heating and cooling throughout the house. There is also a separate-entry lower-level room with direct access to the backyard, along with a laundry area on the same level.

Two detached structures provide additional space for an office, studio, workshop, storage, or other uses. Between the creek, the gardens, the decks, the usable yard, and an oak that has been there for centuries, the property has many of the features people hope to find in Old Topanga and very few properties can actually offer all in one place.

Learn more HERE

🏡 September 2026 Topanga Market Snapshot

Where the Market Is
There are 67 listings in the current Topanga MLS snapshot, giving buyers a lot to compare as we head into September. The price range is still wide, starting at $749,000 and reaching up to $7,750,000, with everything from smaller canyon homes and Top O’ Topanga options to large estates and acreage properties.

Inventory isn’t quite as heavy as it was last month, but buyers still have plenty of choice. That keeps the market buyer leaning, especially for homes that have been sitting, need work, or came out too strong on price. At the same time, the market isn’t quiet across the board. There are 2 pending listings and 6 active under contract, which tells us buyers are still moving when the price, condition, and overall value line up.

August sales give us a clear picture of buyer behavior. There were 5 closed sales in the report, and all of them closed below their final list price. Some were only slightly under list, like 19818 Valley View Dr, which was last listed at $1,499,500 and sold for $1,480,000. Others had a much wider gap, like 21165 Entrada Rd, which was last listed at $2,995,000 and sold for $2,600,000, and 1527 Bainum Dr, which was last listed at $1,350,000 and sold for $1,169,000.

That doesn’t mean buyers are sitting on the sidelines. It means they’re negotiating, watching price history, and paying close attention to whether a home feels aligned with the market. The homes that are moving are the ones where the price, condition, setting, and overall story make sense together.

Some of the more noticeable reductions right now include:

• 20605 Cheney Dr was $5,795,000 now $4,995,000

• 23000 Saddle Peak Rd was $4,295,000 now $3,490,000

• 19809 Montau Dr was $3,200,000 now $2,849,000

• 20675 Medley Ln was $2,890,000 now $2,575,000

• 3302 Van Allen Pl was $2,750,000 now $2,499,000

• 3439 Dorothy Rd was $2,695,000 now $2,248,000

• 20634 Medley Ln was $2,495,000 now $2,175,000

• 1328 Fernwood Pacific Dr was $2,250,000 now $2,050,000

• 19643 Valley View Dr was $2,250,000 now $1,850,000

• 2617 Hodgson Circle Dr was $1,750,000 now $1,599,000

• 517 Canon View Trl was $1,699,000 now $1,599,000

• 2016 Mount Prospect Dr was $1,425,000 now $1,298,000

There’s also fresh inventory keeping the market active, including newer listings like 21007 Dr. Waveview Dr, 1135 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, 2345 Tuna Canyon Rd, and 22068 Topanga School Rd. That added inventory gives buyers more to compare and puts more pressure on older listings that haven’t adjusted.

For Buyers
This is a useful market for buyers who want room to compare. With 67 listings available, you don’t have to feel rushed into the wrong property. You can look carefully at the home, the setting, the access, the parking, and the practical details that matter in Topanga.

The best opportunities aren’t always the lowest priced homes. They’re the homes where the asking price, condition, seller motivation, and long term value start to line up. If a property’s been sitting or has already had a price reduction, there may be room for a more realistic conversation.

That could mean a better purchase price, a credit, repairs, or stronger terms. The August sales show that buyers are getting discounts when the market supports it, and that matters. At the same time, buyers should still be ready when a good property comes along. Well priced homes can still attract attention, especially if they have privacy, usable outdoor space, good light, charm, and a layout that works for everyday canyon living.

For Sellers
A good Topanga home can still sell, but sellers need to be sharper than they did in a tighter market. Buyers have options, and they’re using those options to compare every detail.

The biggest risk right now is overpricing and then waiting too long to adjust. Once a home sits, buyers start watching it differently. They look at days on market, price history, and whether the seller seems motivated. That can make negotiations harder later.

The strongest listings right now are the ones that feel prepared, clean, and easy to understand. In Topanga, that means more than pretty photos. Buyers want clarity around access, parking, septic, drainage, insurance, defensible space, maintenance, and the true condition of the home.

If you’re thinking about selling this fall, pricing matters from the start. Presentation matters too. The goal is to create confidence early, not wait for the market to force a correction after weeks or months of limited activity.

Looking Ahead
September should bring a more focused buyer pool than August. Summer distractions start to fade, people get back into routines, and buyers who are still looking tend to be more serious. But serious doesn’t mean impulsive. Buyers are doing their homework, watching reductions, and comparing properties carefully.

With inventory still elevated and more homes under contract than closed in the most recent snapshot, September will be worth watching. If the current pending and active under contract properties close cleanly, it’ll help show where buyers are willing to meet the market. If inventory keeps building without enough sales behind it, sellers will likely need to keep adjusting.

For buyers, patience can create opportunity. For sellers, the best results will come from honest pricing, thoughtful preparation, and making the home easy for a buyer to understand.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling this fall, I’m happy to walk through what’s realistic for your situation and what the market is actually responding to right now.

👨‍🌾 Topanga Farmers Market

Certified market with local, often organic producers and makers. Expect peak-season produce, fresh bread and pastries, flowers, pantry staples, small-batch foods, and occasional live music.

📅 Every Friday • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

📍 Topanga Community Center
🔗 Details HERE

👩‍🍳 Chef Rashi D’Lugoff — The Village Kitchen

Topanga local chef offering bespoke catering and personal-chef menus that match your vision, with warm, seamless service for you and your guests.

• Services: Personal chef and catering for family gatherings, birthdays, and small events
• Serving: Topanga, Malibu, and nearby communities
✉️ rashidlugoff@yahoo.com 
📞 Call/Text: (310) 424-8486
🔗 Facebook

🎶 Free Introductory Ukulele Lessons with Melanie Lawson Kareem

Melanie Lawson Kareem teaches beginner ukulele lessons for retired adults and anyone who has always wanted to play but never learned. Her original “Melanie Method” is designed for true beginners, with daily live Zoom lessons from home, a 7-Day Free Trial, and a friendly group setting for students across the country. The beginner Zoom lesson runs from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with the next level immediately after from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Local adults can also find Melanie at the Topanga Farmers Market, where she offers free, on-the-spot introductory lessons.

📅 Fridays • 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
📍 Topanga Farmers Market
💻 Daily live Zoom lessons available from home
🔗 GetStartedPlayingUkulele.com
🎥 Watch a short video HERE
✉️ melanie@getstartedplayingukulele.com
📞 310-403-3159

🌮 La Chingona Tacos

Handmade organic corn tortillas with tacos, bowls, and salads, plus vegan and gluten-free options. Casual, community vibe with house salsas and from-scratch prep.

📅 Tuesdays & Fridays • 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📅 Sundays • 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Hidden Treasures, 152 S Topanga Canyon Blvd

📸 Instagram
🔗 lachingonatacos.com

🌄 Topanga Historical Society

The Topanga Historical Society plays an important role in preserving the people, places, photographs, recordings, and stories that make the canyon so distinctive. Through talks, films, gatherings, publications, and special programs, the Society gives residents the opportunity to learn more about Topanga’s past while connecting with others who care about the community and its history.

Becoming a member is one of the easiest ways to support that work and take part in the many interesting events the Society hosts throughout the year. Annual memberships begin at only $20, with individual, family, contributing, sustaining, patron, and lifetime options available.

Membership helps ensure that Topanga’s stories and archives are preserved for future generations while also supporting the programs that bring those stories back into the community.

🙋 Become a member HERE

📖 Get The Topanga Story book HERE

🗣️ See past events and speakers HERE

🐾 Used Pets

A small, independent rescue with adoptable cats and dogs, including puppies, kittens, seniors, and special needs pets. They specialize in giving second chances to animals who need them most.

• See available pets HERE
• Read reviews HERE
📞 Call/Text Cate at (310) 344-3869
✉️ usedpets@icloud.com

RockRose Risk clients save 21–35% on wildfire insurance. As the brokerage built for the climate-risk era, we quantify property-level mitigation and translate it into language underwriters trust. Serving residential homeowners, high-value estates, and commercial properties nationwide. Carriers want the risk we bring them.

📞 (878) 778-7998
✉️ info@rockroserisk.com
📍 1300 First Street, Suite 368, Napa, CA 94559
🔗 rockroserisk.com

❓ What was the name of the community hall that occupied the former 1925 Topanga School building at 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd before its restaurant era?

Hint: American Legion Post 796 used the building for everything from dances and civic meetings to weddings and even a Well Baby Clinic.

Last month’s question: What fundraising slogan helped pay for the bricks used to build the Topanga Community House?

Answer: The campaign was called “A Nickel a Brick.” Organized in 1952, it raised money to purchase the building blocks used for the walls of the Topanga Community House.

🥑 Eat With the Season: 

Lemony Lentil Salad With Avocado and Ricotta Salata

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried green lentils
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, optional
• 2 medium avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 4 oz ricotta salata, crumbled into small pieces (or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano)

For Serving:

• Extra parsley
• Extra dill
• Freshly ground black pepper
• A drizzle of olive oil, if you like

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Stir in the lentils and 1 tsp kosher salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 15 to 20 minutes.

2. While the lentils cook, add the chopped red onion to a large bowl with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Let it sit about 20 minutes, until the onion softens slightly, turns bright pink, and loses some of its sharp bite.

3. Add lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, remaining 3 tbsp lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt to the bowl with the onion. Whisk to combine, then slowly whisk in the olive oil.

4. Drain the lentils well. While they’re still warm, add them to the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the lentils soak up the dressing.

5. Fold in parsley, dill, and mint if using. Gently fold in avocado and ricotta salata, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.

6. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Finish with extra parsley, dill, black pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil if you like.

Serving Suggestions:

🥬 Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a heartier salad
🍗 Add grilled chicken if you want more protein
🐟 Serve alongside grilled salmon or another simple fish
🥖 Add warm pita or crusty bread to make it feel more like a meal
🍋 Add a little extra lemon right before serving if it needs more brightness
🥑 If you need to skip the avocado, try tofu, cannellini beans, or garbanzo beans
🧀 If you can’t find ricotta salata, Parmigiano-Reggiano works well

Tip: Chop the red onion first and let it soak in the lemon juice and salt while you prep the rest of the salad. This mellows the sharp onion bite and gives it a better crunch. Tossing the lentils with the dressing while they’re still warm helps them absorb more flavor. If you’re making this ahead, prepare the lentil mixture first and wait to fold in the avocado and ricotta salata until closer to serving so everything stays fresh.

📰 Want to be included in next month’s newsletter?

If you have a local event, class, concert, recipe, or anything Topanga-worthy coming up, we’d love to feature it in next month’s issue.

📨 Please send it at least one week before the end of the month. The newsletter goes out the morning of the 1st each month.

📬 Reach us HERE