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Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Enjoy this Mediterranean Lentil Salad with brown lentils, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese. A healthy, easy vegetarian recipe perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 1 cup dried brown lentils rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt divided

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pure olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • 1 large cucumber seeded and diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 4 oz feta cheese crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  • While the lentils cook, make the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar and pure olive oil in a small bowl. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Drain the cooked lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the hot lentils and gently stir to combine. Let the dressed lentils cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and chopped mint to the bowl with the cooled lentils. Toss everything together gently until the vegetables and herbs are evenly distributed.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Keyword lentil salad, meal prep, vegetarian