Mediterranean Lentil Salad
A healthy and flavorful Mediterranean Lentil Salad packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- In a medium pot, bring lentils and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and feta (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Omit feta cheese to make it vegan.
- Use red lentils for a softer texture, though they may break down more easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Lentil Salad, healthy salad, vegetarian lentil salad, easy lentil recipe