Description
This Protein Packed Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a fresh, colorful, easy recipe that delivers big flavor in every bite. Packed with tender lentils, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, feta, and a zesty lemon dressing, it is a healthy lunch, quick dinner, and smart meal prep option full of Mediterranean flavor, high-protein ingredients, and fresh food ideas for busy days.
Ingredients
1 cup dried green or brown lentils
3 cups water
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water.
2. Add the lentils and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Drain the lentils and let them cool completely.
5. Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the roasted red peppers, olives, dill, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cooled lentils, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red peppers, olives, dill, and parsley to a large bowl.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
9. Gently fold in the feta cheese.
10. Chill for 15 to 20 minutes if desired, then serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the lentils or they can become too soft for salad.
This salad tastes even better after resting for a little while in the fridge.
Add the feta just before serving if you want the freshest texture for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: protein packed mediterranean lentil salad, lentil salad, mediterranean salad, healthy lunch, quick dinner, meal prep salad, easy recipe, food ideas