This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish packed with Mediterranean ingredients. It’s perfect for a light meal, a side dish, or even meal prep for the week. With crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber from the lentils.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors, combining the earthy taste of lentils with the freshness of cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. The briny Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese add a salty, creamy punch, while the olive oil and lemon dressing bring everything together. It’s light, vibrant, and full of nutrients, making it a perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a family gathering.
Ingredients
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1 cup cooked lentils
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1/2 cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Drizzle the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss everything together until fully coated.
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Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to increase the salad’s volume and add more texture.
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Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
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Swap Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
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Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, you can use canned lentils for convenience. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using in the salad.
3. How do I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted beets to the salad for extra flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, for a bit of spice, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the dressing or salad.
6. How do I cook lentils for this salad?
To cook lentils, rinse them under cold water and simmer in a pot with 2 cups of water for about 15-20 minutes until tender but firm. Drain any excess water before using.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar would work well as alternatives to feta.
8. Can I make this salad without olives?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of olives, simply leave them out or replace them with another ingredient like capers or pickled red onions.
9. Can I add fruit to this salad?
Yes, diced fruits like oranges, apples, or pomegranate seeds would add a nice contrast of sweetness to the salad.
10. Can I serve this salad as a main dish?
Yes, this salad can easily be turned into a main dish by adding protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep. With a great balance of textures and Mediterranean flavors, it’s satisfying, nutritious, and easy to make. This versatile salad can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it as a refreshing addition to your meals!
Print
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and protein-packed dish featuring earthy lentils, fresh vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. It’s a quick, nutrient-rich recipe perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a flavorful side dish with your favorite Mediterranean meals.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss until well coated.
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Sprinkle with crumbled feta and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas to turn this into a main dish.
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Make Ahead: This salad stores well and tastes even better after marinating in the fridge.
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Vegan Option: Omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
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Add Greens: Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens make great additions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Meal Prep
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
