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Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean lentil salad featuring tender brown lentils combined with fresh vegetables, tangy balsamic dressing, and creamy feta cheese. This salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentils and Broth

  • 210 g Brown lentils (1 cup / 250 ml)
  • 500 ml Water (2 cups)
  • 1 Bouillon stock cube (chicken or vegetable)

Vegetables

  • 1 Red bell pepper
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1 Cucumber (peeled and seeded)
  • 1 Small red onion
  • 4 tbsp Parsley (chopped)

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 70 g Feta cheese (2.5 oz)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils: Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve and pick over them to remove any small debris or stones.
  2. Add lentils and broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, water, and a bouillon stock cube (chicken or vegetable) for added flavor.
  3. Boil and simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until the lentils are tender but retain their shape, about 16 to 20 minutes.
  4. Chop vegetables: While the lentils cook, dice the red bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber (peeled and seeded), and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
  5. Prepare dressing: Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a flavorful vinaigrette.
  6. Drain lentils: Drain the cooked lentils and allow them to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to slightly warm or reach room temperature.
  7. Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced vegetables, chopped parsley, and crumble the feta cheese over the top.
  8. Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Serve at room temperature or chilled for best flavor.

Notes

  • Peeling and seeding the cucumber ensures a better texture and reduces bitterness.
  • The salad can be prepared in advance and chilled to allow flavors to meld.
  • Use vegetable stock cube for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the honey and vinegar quantities to balance sweetness and acidity according to taste.
  • This salad is a great make-ahead option for picnics or meal prep.

Keywords: Mediterranean lentil salad, healthy lentil salad, vegetarian salad, brown lentils recipe, feta cheese salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/mediterranean-lentil-salad-recipe/