Description
Mediterranean lentil salad brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table. Green herbs, crisp vegetables, and zesty lemon dressing combine for a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup french green lentils, or regular green or brown lentils
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup (75 g) finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup (50 g) chopped fresh cilantro, or fresh parsley
- 6 oz (170 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small english cucumber, quartered lengthwise and then chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
- zest of 1 small lemon
- 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsps dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey, or pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Lentil Preparation: Meticulously inspect lentils, eliminating any stones or debris, then rinse thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to ensure cleanliness.
- Cooking Technique: Transfer lentils to a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pan and simmering for 20 minutes until tender yet firm.
- Cooling Process: Drain lentils in a colander and spread on a wide plate, allowing them to cool and release excess moisture for 10-15 minutes.
- Dressing Creation: Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Vegetable Incorporation: In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cooled lentils with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Flavor Infusion: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently folding to distribute flavors without crushing the delicate ingredients.
- Cheese Finishing: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, lightly mixing to ensure even distribution while preserving its distinctive texture.
- Final Touches: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with additional fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Lentil Quality Check: Carefully inspect lentils before cooking to remove any stones, debris, or imperfections that could affect taste and texture.
- Perfect Cooking Technique: Simmer lentils gently to achieve an ideal al dente consistency – tender yet firm, avoiding mushy or overcooked results.
- Flavor Melding Magic: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow ingredients to blend and intensify their taste profile.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with extra cilantro or herbs just before serving to elevate the salad’s freshness and add a vibrant flavor punch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg