Lentil Salad Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a salad that feels hearty and fresh all at once, this Lentil Salad is your new best friend. Packed with tender lentils, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, it’s a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that not only fills you up but also excites your taste buds. The zesty dressing with lemon, garlic, and a hint of cumin wraps everything in a bright, lively hug, making this Lentil Salad perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish at dinner. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lentil Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. From the earthy lentils that provide substance, to the fresh veggies adding crunch and color, and the creamy feta that gives a savory touch, every component shines through.

• 2 cans (15 oz each) lentils (green, black, or brown): Rinsed and drained for convenience, these form the hearty base of your salad.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered: Their juicy sweetness brightens each bite and adds beautiful pops of red.
• 1½ cups cucumber, diced: Adds refreshing crunch and balances the richer flavors.
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced or diced: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the creaminess.
• ⅓ cup Kalamata or Taggiasche olives: Adds a salty, briny complexity that’s simply irresistible.
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano): Infuses the salad with fresh herbaceous notes.
• 3½ ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Gives a tangy, salty creaminess that ties together all the flavors.
• Dressing Ingredients: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 grated garlic clove, ½ tsp cumin (optional), 1 tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper to round out the salad with a zesty, aromatic finish.

How to Make Lentil Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

If you’re short on time or simply prefer an easy route, canned lentils are your go-to—just drain and rinse them well to wash away excess sodium. For that homemade touch and full control over texture, cook dried lentils by simmering 1 cup in 4 cups of water with a teaspoon of salt as per package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. The lentils should be soft but still hold their shape, forming the substantial base you’ll build your salad on.

Step 2: Add the Fresh Vegetables

Next, toss in quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced or diced red onion, and a generous handful of olives. Each fresh vegetable contributes not only vibrant color but a burst of contrasting textures — juicy, crisp, and briny — that breathe life into the lentils and keep every forkful interesting.

Step 3: Incorporate the Herbs and Cheese

Sprinkle in chopped parsley for a verdant herbal lift or, if you prefer, dried oregano offers a warm Mediterranean touch. Crumbled feta cheese follows, providing that irresistible salty creaminess that beautifully complements the earthiness of the lentils and the brightness of the veggies.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, cumin (optional but heavenly), salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until emulsified into a vibrant, aromatic dressing that will coat the salad evenly, tying all the flavors together with zesty brightness and subtle warmth.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until every ingredient is lovingly coated. Pause to taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or lemon juice if needed. Your Lentil Salad is now ready to serve.

How to Serve Lentil Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your Lentil Salad, consider a final flourish of freshly chopped herbs like mint or dill, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts. These garnishes add inviting aroma and extra texture that make each bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This Lentil Salad is versatile enough to pair perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. It also shines alongside warm pita bread or crispy flatbreads, allowing you to scoop up every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Lentil Salad layered in clear jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. Or hollow out ripe tomatoes or bell peppers and fill them with the salad for an eye-catching presentation at your next gathering. A bed of mixed greens underneath also turns it into a vibrant starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it an excellent make-ahead salad that tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and feta, freezing this Lentil Salad is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the cucumber and tomatoes as well as the cheese, so it’s best consumed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the lentils warm, you can scoop out the portion you want and gently reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop before adding the fresh veggies and dressing. Just avoid heating the whole salad at once to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! Cooking dried lentils gives you full control over their texture and salt content. Just simmer them gently until tender and then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is this Lentil Salad suitable for vegans?

Yes! Simply swap the feta cheese for a non-dairy feta alternative or omit it altogether to keep this salad vegan-friendly while still delicious.

How long will the Lentil Salad last in the fridge?

It will keep well for about 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. After that, the fresh vegetables might start to lose their crispness.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted vegetables to customize your Lentil Salad to your tastes.

What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If Dijon mustard isn’t on hand, you can substitute with regular yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of honey mustard for a slightly sweeter twist in the dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Lentil Salad truly has something special — it’s fresh, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul. Whether you’re making it as a quick lunch or bringing it to a potluck, it never fails to impress. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become a staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!

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