Description
A nutritious and delicious salad combining lentils, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or any prepared mustard)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 2 1/2 cups cooked brown lentils
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/3 cup minced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped kalamata olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons torn mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons torn fresh dill
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown lentils, diced red bell pepper, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, minced red onion, and if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts and kalamata olives.
- Mix Everything: Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Finally, fold in the chopped fresh parsley, torn mint leaves, torn dill, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to ensure the feta is dispersed throughout the salad without breaking it apart too much.
- Serve: You can enjoy the salad right away, or for even better flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the tastes to blend beautifully.
Notes
Rinse lentils before cooking to enhance flavor and texture. Customize the veggies to your taste, and use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean