Delicious Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe You’ll Love

The vibrant colors of Mediterranean Lentil Salad dance in the sun, calling out to your taste buds with promises of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and hearty lentils. Picture this: a bowl filled with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil that glistens like liquid gold. Crock Pot Birria Tacos The aroma wafts through the air, inviting you to dive in for a bite that’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors.

As I recall my first encounter with this salad, it was at a family picnic where my cousin decided to turn our usual potato salad tradition upside down. She introduced us to this delightful dish, and let me tell you, it was love at first crunch! Not only did it steal the show, but it also sparked endless conversations about summer gatherings and shared meals. autumn naan pizzas.

I remember my friends’ faces lighting up when they took their first bites of this salad – the kind of reaction that makes all those hours spent perfecting the recipe worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Opt for firm lentils; they hold their shape beautifully during cooking.

• Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add crunch; choose firm ones without soft spots for the best flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes brighten up the salad; pick vibrant red ones for maximum flavor.

• Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion for a mild yet flavorful kick; soak them briefly in water to reduce sharpness.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; look for bright green leaves free from wilting.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavors; bottled versions can’t compete with its zing!

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the salad’s texture; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning brings everything together; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Lentils: Rinse one cup of lentils under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine lentils with three cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Chop Your Veggies: While lentils cook, chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions into bite-sized pieces. The more colorful your veggies, the more appealing your salad will be! For more inspiration, check out this cucumber salad delight recipe.

Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything: Once lentils are cooked and cooled slightly, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Add chopped veggies along with fresh parsley for that pop of flavor.

Toss & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes so flavors can meld before serving.

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad not only brings satisfaction but also serves as an excellent canvas for creativity. Greek-inspired chicken bowls Enjoy as is or add grilled chicken for protein!

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment! Swap out veggies based on what’s in season or whatever you have lurking in your fridge – it’s all about making it yours!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by cooking the lentils separately until tender, then mix in your chopped veggies and dressing for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap lentils for quinoa or add feta cheese for creaminess. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhance the salad’s freshness beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Mediterranean lentil salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating needed—it’s great cold!

Sharing this delicious Mediterranean lentil salad recipe always brings smiles at gatherings. stuffed sweet potatoes Friends rave about its freshness, making me feel like a culinary superstar each time!

FAQ

Can I use canned lentils for this Mediterranean lentil salad?

For more inspiration, check out this hearty lentil stew recipe.

Yes, canned lentils save time but rinse them well before using.

What other vegetables can I add to this salad?

Consider bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and color.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well and tastes even better after marinating overnight.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines hearty lentils with crunchy vegetables and zesty lemon dressing. Bursting with fresh flavors from cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and parsley, this salad not only satisfies the palate but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side at gatherings, it promises to impress your guests while being easy to customize with seasonal ingredients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender.
2. While lentils cook, chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Once lentils are cooked and slightly cooled, transfer them to a large bowl. Add chopped veggies and parsley.
5. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 15g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg