Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe
This vibrant Mediterranean lentil salad is a wholesome, flavorful dish featuring tender brown lentils mixed with fresh vegetables, tangy balsamic dressing, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying side, it combines nutritious ingredients with simple preparation for a refreshing and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Broth
- 210 g Brown lentils (1 cup / 250 ml)
- 500 ml Water (2 cups)
- 1 bullion stock cube (chicken or vegetable)
Vegetables
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Cucumber (peeled and seeded)
- 1 Small red onion
- 4 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
- 4 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Honey
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Finishing
- 70 g Feta cheese (2.5 oz, crumbled)
Instructions
- Rinse lentils: Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve to remove any debris or small stones. Inspect carefully to ensure cleanliness before cooking.
- Cook lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, water, and a bullion stock cube. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 16 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Prepare vegetables: While the lentils are cooking, dice the red bell pepper, tomatoes, and peeled, seeded cucumber. Chop the small red onion and parsley finely.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drain lentils: Once cooked, drain the lentils thoroughly and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Combine salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooled lentils with the diced vegetables and chopped parsley. Crumble the feta cheese over the mixture.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, according to preference. Enjoy as a nutritious meal or side dish.
Notes
- Ensure lentils are rinsed well to avoid any grit in the salad.
- Do not overcook lentils; they should be tender but not mushy to maintain texture.
- Peeled and seeded cucumber prevents excess wateriness in the salad.
- The salad tastes best when allowed to rest for a little while after tossing to let flavors meld.
- Can be served cold or at room temperature.
Keywords: Mediterranean lentil salad, healthy lentil salad, vegetarian salad, feta cheese salad, easy lentil recipe
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/mediterranean-lentil-salad-recipe/
