Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Wholesome and Vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad 🍅

Ever find yourself craving something fresh and fulfilling that doesn’t take hours to prepare? This Mediterranean Lentil Salad hits the spot! Packed with colorful veggies and the incredible earthiness of lentils, it’s as delicious as it is nutritious. What’s more, it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for meal prep or impressing guests at your next dinner gathering!

Why Make This Recipe

Why will you love this salad? For starters, it’s a one-bowl wonder—minimal cleanup means more time to kick back and relax. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and won’t break the bank, which is always a bonus when trying to eat healthy. And hey, who doesn’t want to serve up a dish that’s as friendly to your taste buds as it is to your wallet?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Making this salad is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with feta cheese and serve immediately, or refrigerate for later!

How to Make Mediterranean Lentil Salad (Overview)

Creating this salad is as easy as pie. You simply combine all the tasty ingredients in a bowl, whip up the dressing, and toss it all together! Here’s your pro tip: let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mingle, and trust me, it’s so much better this way. Procrastinators rejoice—this dish practically makes itself!

How to Serve Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Picture this: a vibrant, colorful salad bowl with bright reds, greens, and whites coming together. Pair it with some crusty bread for a truly Mediterranean experience! You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. The aroma of lemon and fresh herbs will have everyone diving in for seconds.

How to Store Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Got leftovers? No problem! This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—though it might not even last that long! If you want to make it ahead, go for it, but add the feta just before serving to keep things crunchy. Freezing isn’t recommended since the textures might change, and nobody wants mushy salad.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your salad game:

• Cook your lentils just right! They should be tender but not mushy—aim for about 15-20 minutes simmering on the stove.
• Feel free to swap out ingredients! Any seasonal veggies or your favorite herbs will make this dish unique, so play around with it!
• Always add the feta last to maintain its crumbly texture and shape.

Variation

Want to switch it up? Try adding avocado for creaminess or olives for a briny kick. If you want a vegan version, simply skip the feta and add some toasted nuts for crunch instead.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils?
Absolutely! Rinse them and you’re good to go—just make sure they’re the right texture!

How long will this salad last in the fridge?
It’ll be good for about 4 days, but the flavors only get better with time!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the feta separate until right before serving, and it will stay fresh and crunchy.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!