This colorful Mediterranean lentil salad is packed with tasty veggies and protein-rich lentils. It’s fresh, healthy, and super easy to put together—perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how it’s so crunchy and refreshing. Plus, leftovers make for a great snack. Just don’t forget the feta cheese on top—it’s the cherry on this salad cake! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils are great for this salad as they hold their shape well. If you’re in a pinch, you could use canned lentils—just rinse them well before adding.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or any neutral oil will work. Just avoid using strong oils that might overpower the salad.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try using a plant-based feta or omit it entirely. Nutritional yeast can give a cheese-like flavor too!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring crunch, but you can substitute with other veggies like cucumber or even peas if you prefer.
How Do I Cook Lentils Perfectly?
Cooking lentils might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! The key is to not overcook them, so they stay firm in the salad. Here’s how:
- Rinse lentils under cold water to remove dust.
- Combine lentils with water or broth in a pot. A 1:3 ratio of lentils to liquid is perfect.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat for a gentle simmer.
- Check for doneness after 20 minutes. They should be tender but still hold shape.
- If there’s excess liquid, drain it off and let the lentils cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Keep an eye on them and taste a few to ensure they are just right! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking lentils)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Lentils:
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered until the lentils are tender but not mushy. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Once done, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside to cool slightly.
2. Blanching the Green Beans:
While the lentils are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté it until it softens and starts to caramelize, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they both soften. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool.
4. Mixing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, blanched green beans, and the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Give it a good mix!
5. Dressing the Salad:
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the optional red wine vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine all the flavors.
6. Serving the Salad:
Transfer the salad to a beautiful serving bowl. Top it off with the crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill sprigs for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Garnish your salad with lemon wedges on the side and serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad that’s full of wholesome ingredients and flavors!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead of Dried Ones?
Absolutely! Canned lentils can save time. Just rinse them under cold water and drain before adding to the salad. Use about 1.5 cups of canned lentils to substitute for 1 cup of dried lentils.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, it’s easy to make this salad vegan! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will even deepen as it sits! Just give it a quick stir before serving, and you might want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice for freshness.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the salad! Chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even carrots can add different flavors and textures. Just ensure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution!
