Mediterranean Lentil Salad
This flavorful salad is a quick healthy side dish, or even a meal. It's good the day you make it, but even better the day after, making it a great make ahead dish!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups cucumbers, large dice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, large dice
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ¾ cup feta
Greek vinaigrette
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste also
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt this is to taste. if you need more, add it
Instructions
- Rinse lentils well with cool water. Add lentils to a medium saucepan and pour in the water and ½ teaspoons salt.
- Cook until tender, but not mushy. You want them to hold their shape in the salad. Add more water if you need to during the cooking process.
- Once they are tender, drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside while you prep the rest.
- Combine all your chopped veggies in a bowl. Then once the lentils are cooled, add them in as well.
- Now, combine all ingredients for the dressing. Mix well and taste. If you need to, based on taste preferences, you can add more honey, or if you like it a little more salty, add in a little more salt.
- That is it! It's done!
- This will hold well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. I do suggest if you are holding it longer than 5 days, to hold off on the dressing and cheese. It is much better this way!
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Notes
- Do not overcook your lentils. You want them to be soft and tender, but not mushy. It is kind of a tricky little line, so just be careful.
- No processed foods here, only goodness! It cools them off quickly, keeping them from getting too mushy. It also cleans them off making them prettier to use in the salad.
- Meal prep tip: When making ahead of time or you know you will have leftovers, don't add the dressing or feta. It's best to wait until the day you plan on eating it to mix everything together.