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Fresh Flavors, Fast How My Grandma’s Garden Inspired This Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is hearty, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick lunch. Packed with lentils, fresh veggies, olives, and herbs, it's tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. A nourishing and simple dish that feels like a taste of summer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils or ~2 cans cooked, drained
  • 2 cups water for cooking lentils
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large cucumber or 2 small, diced
  • 1/2 red onion finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup pitted olives Kalamata, black, or green
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint or substitute basil or dill
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons
  • 1 clove garlic minced finely
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper generous twist

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Whisk or jar with lid

Method
 

  1. Rinse lentils under cold water. Add to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and cool.
  2. While lentils cook, prepare vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, chop onion, parsley, and mint. Add to a large mixing bowl with olives.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Add the cooled lentils to the veggie bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving. Enjoy immediately or chill for later.

Notes

This salad keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge. For a vegan version, skip the feta or replace with roasted chickpeas. You can also switch herbs based on what you have. Great with pita, grilled chicken, or fish.