Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe
If you’re craving something vibrant, wholesome, and packed with delightful flavors, this Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender lentils, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed in a bright lemon-oregano dressing and finished with creamy feta cheese. Whether you want a light lunch or a stunning side dish, this salad is a refreshing celebration of Mediterranean flavors that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a salad bursting with texture and taste. Each item adds its own personality, creating a harmoniously balanced dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Cooked lentils: The hearty base that gives the salad substance and a subtle earthiness you’ll love.
- Cucumber, diced: Adds a cool, crisp bite that refreshes every forkful.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy pops of color that brighten the salad.
- Red onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild zing and a bit of crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kalamata olives, sliced: Offer a savory, slightly salty twist that brings that classic Mediterranean touch.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, it perfectly complements the fresh and briny notes.
- Olive oil: The silky binder that brings everything together with richness.
- Lemon juice: Injects a zesty brightness that livens up the entire dish.
- Dried oregano: Infuses an herbaceous Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by adding your cooked lentils, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives into a large mixing bowl. This combination balances heartiness with freshness and ensures every spoonful is packed with variety.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The lemon juice brightens the oil, while oregano adds a fragrant Mediterranean flair, creating a dressing that perfectly complements the salad’s components.
Step 3: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over your lentil mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. This step allows the flavors to marry beautifully and guarantees that every bite is flavorful and moist without being soggy.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving. Its creamy, tangy richness adds depth and a delightful contrast to the fresh and vibrant vegetables.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a visual and flavor boost, sprinkle extra fresh herbs like parsley or mint atop the salad. A few lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra zing if they prefer.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread. It’s an easy companion that can stand up to bold flavors or lighten heavier mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow at your next gathering? Serve the salad in individual glass jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad on top, or plate it atop a bed of mixed greens for extra freshness and color variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have mingled overnight.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as freezing can alter the texture of the vegetables and feta, so it’s not recommended to freeze it.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a warmer option, try serving the lentils warm and add the veggies and dressing just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use brown lentils instead of green lentils?
Absolutely! Brown lentils work beautifully and hold their shape well, maintaining the salad’s texture while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe vegan?
The salad is naturally vegan if you omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, keeping all the hearty and fresh flavors intact.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, the salad stays fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes! Prepare the salad up to a day ahead, but add the feta just before serving to keep its texture creamy and distinct.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives on hand, black olives or green olives can be used, though the flavor will be less intense and salty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how fresh ingredients come together in this Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe to create a dish that’s both satisfying and bright. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to for quick lunches or vibrant dinner sides. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of sunshine and richness that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to love.
Print
Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining tender lentils with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Tossed in a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked lentils, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Mix them gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture, then toss thoroughly to ensure every component is coated with the dressing.
- Add Feta and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and serve chilled or at room temperature according to your preference for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Notes
- Use brown or green lentils for the best texture—avoid red lentils as they tend to become mushy.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- If you don’t have Kalamata olives, black olives can be used as a substitute.
- Cook lentils ahead of time and store them chilled to speed up salad preparation.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; dress just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
