This Greek Lentil Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. It combines tender lentils with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, this salad is easy to make and satisfies both the taste buds and nutrition needs. The combination of protein-rich lentils and nutritious veggies make this recipe a great choice for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals. Enjoy the taste of Greece with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve the Greek Lentil Salad chilled and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, herbs, and olive oil.
Kalamata olives are a type of olive grown in Greece and are known for their rich and tangy flavor.
Feta cheese is a classic Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk.