Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4
This vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a nutrient-dense, protein-packed dish bursting with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. 🌱✨ Loaded with fiber-rich lentils, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, it’s dressed in a tangy lemon-oregano vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for a light lunch, meal prep, or as a hearty side dish, this salad is rich in antioxidants, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats.
Ingredients
🔥 For the Salad:
☑ 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed 🥣
☑ 3 cups water or vegetable broth 💧
☑ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
☑ 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
☑ 1 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
☑ ½ red onion, finely chopped 🧅
☑ ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 🫒
☑ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for creaminess) 🧀
☑ ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
☑ ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped (optional for freshness) 🌱
🔥 For the Lemon-Oregano Dressing:
☑ ¼ cup olive oil
☑ Juice of 1 large lemon 🍋
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 dried oregano 🌿
☑ 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang) 🌱
☑ Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
👨🍳 Cooking Steps
🥣 Step 1: Cook the Lentils
1️⃣ In a pot, combine the lentils with water or broth.
2️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy.
3️⃣ Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool.
🍋 Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
🥗 Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint.
2️⃣ Drizzle with the lemon-oregano dressing and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
✨ Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Top with crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy finish.
2️⃣ Serve chilled or at room temperature for the freshest taste.
Colorful, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean flavors—this Lentil Salad is the perfect balance of health and taste in every bite! 🥗🌿
