This vibrant Mediterranean lentil salad is packed with flavor and healthy goodness! It features fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love how quick and easy it is to prepare—just chop, mix, and enjoy. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils are great for this salad because they hold their shape well. If you’re in a pinch, you could use canned lentils, just rinse them before adding. Red lentils can work, but they tend to get mushy.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a nice crunch but you can swap them for frozen ones if that’s what you have. They cook quickly, so don’t blanch them for too long to keep them crisp.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy flavor to the salad. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan feta or omit it altogether. Nutritional yeast can also add a savory flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Both add a nice zing! If you only have balsamic vinegar, it can be a tasty alternative, giving a sweeter note.
How Do I Get My Lentils Just Right Without Overcooking?
Cooking lentils can be tricky. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how to get them perfect:
- Rinse lentils under cold water to remove any debris.
- Bring the water or broth to a boil, then add the lentils and reduce to a simmer.
- Check them around the 20-minute mark. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- If there’s extra liquid, drain it off and let them sit for a minute to cool down slightly before adding to the salad.
Taking your time with lentils pays off—they’re the star of this salad!
Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh dill sprigs or chopped dill for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and then 15 minutes to cook and assemble everything. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Lentils:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
While the lentils are cooking, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain the beans and immediately dunk them in cold ice water to stop the cooking process and keep their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Combine the Salad Components:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, blanched green beans, sautéed onions, and diced red bell pepper. Stir gently to combine everything together.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the red wine vinegar or lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create your dressing.
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss everything gently to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the lentils!
7. Add Feta and Garnish:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs or chopped dill for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve:
Serve this delicious Mediterranean lentil salad chilled or at room temperature. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze before enjoying!
Enjoy this fresh, vibrant salad as a side dish or light main course! It’s healthy, colorful, and bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead of Dried Lentils?
Absolutely! Canned lentils can save you time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the salad to remove excess sodium and keep the texture right.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this salad with your favorite vegetables! Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even some grated carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep the proportions balanced to maintain the salad’s integrity.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld nicely, but keep in mind that the green beans may soften a bit over time. You can refresh it with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice when serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, this salad is easily made vegan! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can also be sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
