This colorful Mediterranean lentil salad is a treat for your taste buds! Packed with fresh veggies, hearty lentils, and a zesty dressing, it’s both tasty and healthy.
Who knew something so simple could look so pretty? I love adding a little feta on top for extra flavor, making it the perfect side dish or light meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Brown or green lentils are best for this salad as they hold their shape well. You can also use canned lentils to save time, but rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, you can substitute them with frozen green beans—just thaw and cut them to size.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. Feel free to swap it with yellow or orange peppers for a different flavor, or omit if you prefer.
Dill: Fresh dill offers a unique flavor that complements the salad. If you don’t have it, parsley or basil can work as substitutes.
Feta Cheese: I love using feta for its creaminess. If you’re vegan or avoiding dairy, look for plant-based feta or leave it out completely; the salad is still delicious!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Lentils?
Cooking lentils might seem tricky, but it’s simple with these steps! Start by rinsing lentils to remove any dust. Use garlic or onion in the cooking water for added flavor. Don’t forget to keep an eye on them while they simmer.
- Bring lentils and water or broth to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- Test them for tenderness; they should be cooked but still slightly firm.
- Drain any excess liquid and let them cool to use in the salad.
This way, you ensure they don’t turn mushy and keep the salad’s delightful texture!
Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and about 20 minutes for cooking the lentils and blanching the green beans. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it a perfect side dish or meal prep option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Lentils:
In a medium saucepan, add your rinsed lentils and the water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. The lentils should be tender but still have a little bite. Once done, drain any excess liquid and let them cool for a bit.
2. Blanching the Green Beans:
While the lentils are cooking, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Then, drain them and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This step helps to keep their bright green color!
3. Mixing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, blanched green beans, diced red bell pepper, and red onion. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is simple yet flavorful!
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to make sure everything is coated evenly. Then, add the chopped fresh dill and half of the crumbled feta cheese, tossing again to mix.
6. Serving Time:
Transfer your wonderful salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes for a great healthy side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Mediterranean lentil salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned lentils are a great time-saver. Just be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the salad to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Lentil Salad?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will even deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!
Can I Modify the Vegetables in This Salad?
Yes! This salad is versatile. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini can make excellent additions!
Is This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying!
