Description
As a passionate home cook, I find joy in exploring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. One dish that has captured my heart is the Mediterranean Lentil Salad. This salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and wholesome goodness. I remember the first time I tasted it at a quaint little café during my travels. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the scent of herbs and spices. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup of uncooked green lentils
- 1 large English or Persian cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- Flat leaf parsley, chopped (about a handful)
- A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
- A handful of Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
- Juice of one fresh lemon
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and cook the lentils in a saucepan with three cups of water for about 20 minutes until tender.
- While the lentils are cooking, chop the cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and dried oregano to make the dressing.
- Once the lentils are cooked and cooled, combine them with the chopped vegetables and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the lentils while cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Allow the lentils to cool completely before mixing with vegetables.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Adjust seasoning before serving to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg