Description
Bright, hearty, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor, this Protein Packed Mediterranean Lentil Salad is the kind of easy recipe you will want on repeat for lunch, dinner ideas, meal prep, and healthy snack boards. Tender lentils, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon dressing come together in one colorful bowl that feels light but still deeply satisfying. It is a quick breakfast-for-lunch style option, an easy dinner side, and one of those simple food ideas that works beautifully for busy weekdays, picnics, and make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
1 cup dry brown or green lentils
3 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
3/4 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water.
2. Add the lentils and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
4. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool completely.
5. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Drain the green beans and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
8. In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green beans, and red onion.
9. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
10. Fold in the feta cheese and fresh dill.
11. Chill for 20 minutes if desired, then serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the lentils or they can turn soft and muddy, which takes away the fresh texture that makes this salad so good.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 13mg