Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (15 oz) can lentils, drained and rinsed (approx 1½-2 cups cooked lentils)
- ½ cucumber, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ⅓ cup olives, chopped
- ½ cup chopped mixed herbs (parsley, mint, dill)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3-4 radishes, sliced into matchsticks
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice and zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin or coriander (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, ground cumin or coriander (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Alternatively, combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, add the drained and rinsed lentils. Then add diced cucumber, quartered grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped walnuts, chopped olives, mixed fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and radish matchsticks.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Lentil Salad cold as a refreshing main or side dish. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld further.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use canned lentils for convenience, but you can also cook dried lentils if preferred.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill add a bright, authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to taste for a sharper or milder dressing.
- Serve with warm pita bread or as a side to grilled vegetables or meats.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
