Name: Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup dry lentils (green, brown, or black); 4 cups water; 1 bay leaf; 1 medium cucumber, cut into 1/4-in cubes; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved; 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, minced; 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed orange juice; 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Why Make This Recipe

Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of colorful vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized according to your tastes.

How to Make Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils (green, brown, or black all work—see blog post for more details)
4 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 medium cucumber, cut into 1/4-in cubes
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh mint, minced
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse well under cold water, removing any imperfect or bad lentils.
In a medium pot, add lentils, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 18-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
Drain lentils, discard the bay leaf, and let lentils cool in a large bowl in the fridge.
Once the lentils are cool, add cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, feta, oregano, and mint to the bowl. Toss well until combined.

Citrus Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or agave nectar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

How to Serve Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great lunch option on its own or can be served as a side with grilled meats or fish. Enjoy it with pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.

How to Store Mediterranean Lentil Salad

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Rinse the lentils thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free of debris.
Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor. Mint and oregano really enhance the Mediterranean taste.
Adjust the dressing acidity by adding more citrus juice according to your preference.

Variation

Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even avocado for a creamier texture. You can also swap the feta cheese for a vegan cheese option to make this salad plant-based.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse them well and skip the cooking step.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Mediterranean Lentil Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.