Description

This Lemony Lentil Salad with Feta is a bright, refreshing, and protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or a side. Combining tender lentils, zesty lemon dressing, creamy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, it’s a vibrant salad full of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained – 1 cup dry
Feta cheese, crumbled – 1/2 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped – 1/4 cup
Red onion, finely diced – 1/4 cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
Cucumber, diced – 1 cup
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – 3 tbsp
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Garlic, minced – 1 clove
Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook lentils in boiling water until tender but not mushy (about 20-25 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, chopped parsley, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Add crumbled feta cheese on top and gently mix through, reserving a little for garnish if desired.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Add chopped fresh mint or dill for a different herbaceous note.
Include toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
Swap feta for goat cheese or halloumi for variation in flavor.
Toss in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Use red lentils for a softer texture but reduce cooking time accordingly.
Store salad in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.
Before serving again, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed.
Avoid reheating to maintain fresh texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling / Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 15mg