This Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad is packed with flavor and color! Made with hearty lentils, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dish that’s as good for you as it is tasty.
With ingredients like bright tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, what’s not to love? I enjoy making a big bowl and munching on it all week. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape well after cooking. If you want a quicker option, you can try canned lentils, just rinse and drain them before using.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch. However, frozen green beans can work too—just thaw and rinse them before adding.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using crumbled tofu or chickpea feta to keep that creamy texture. For a vegan option, skip the cheese altogether!
Dill: Fresh dill brightens up the salad. If you can’t find dill, consider using parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Cook Lentils Perfectly?
Cooking lentils can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right! First, rinsing them removes dust and impurities. To cook, place lentils in a pot with water or broth, then start boiling. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Taste a few to check!
- You don’t want excess liquid; draining the lentils after cooking is key.
- Let them cool before mixing into your salad for the best texture.
Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe – Fresh & Healthy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking lentils)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus some sprigs for garnish)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Time Needed:
This delightful Mediterranean Lentil Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the lentils and beans, and another 20 minutes to chop and mix the fresh veggies and dressing. A quick and healthy option for any meal!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Lentils:
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but still hold their shape. Once done, drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool down a bit.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
While lentils are cooking, bring a small pot of water to boil or set up a steamer. Add in the trimmed green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they are just tender-crisp. Drain and rinse them under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and keep that vibrant green color.
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, green beans, diced red bell pepper, and red onion. Give them a gentle stir to mix them up.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until combined. This will be the zesty dressing for your salad!
5. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
6. Add the Dill and Feta:
Fold in the chopped dill and crumbled feta cheese. Save a little feta and some dill for garnishing later!
7. Serve it Up:
Transfer the vibrant salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with the reserved feta, dill sprigs, and add some lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness.
8. Enjoy:
Your Mediterranean Lentil Salad is ready to eat! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a light meal or as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy every bite of this healthy delight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Lentils for This Salad?
Absolutely! Canned lentils can save you time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the salad. They’ll work great while still keeping the flavors intact!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the veggies fresh, consider adding the dressing just before serving instead of mixing it in right away.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta or prefer a dairy-free option, you can use crumbled tofu or vegan feta cheese. Alternatively, you can omit the cheese altogether for a lighter salad!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even artichokes for added flavor and color. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors in mind!
