Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Elevate your next meal with the vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean Lentil Salad, a perfect blend of wholesome lentils and fresh, colorful vegetables bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This easy-to-make salad features tender green or brown lentils combined with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red bell pepper, and sharp red onion, all topped off with creamy crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. A zesty homemade vinaigrette, made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, ties the dish together with a tangy, herby finish. Perfect as a healthy lunch, flavorful side dish, or centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired feast, this protein-packed salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's an irresistible choice for those seeking a balance of health and taste in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 medium (diced) cucumber
• 1.5 cups (halved) cherry tomatoes
• 1 large (diced) red bell pepper
• 0.5 small (finely chopped) red onion
• 0.25 cup (chopped) fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup (crumbled) feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 clove (minced) garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Add the lentils and 4 cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the lentils for 15-20 minutes or until tender but not mushy. Drain the lentils and set them aside to cool.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 7

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese if desired.

Step 9

Enjoy your Mediterranean Lentil Salad as a light lunch, side dish, or part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1975.7 grams (1975.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	953

Total Fat 60.50g	78%
Saturated Fat 16.40g	82%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 67mg	22%
Sodium 2103mg	91%
Total Carbohydrate 77.80g	28%
Dietary Fiber 24.60g	88%
Total Sugars 21.40g
Protein 35.00g	70%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 589mg	45%
Iron 11mg	58%
Potassium 2200mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.7%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 31.3%