Greek Lentil Salad

Greek Lentil Salad is a healthy and delicious dish. It combines lentils, fresh vegetables, and a tasty dressing. This salad is colorful and filled with flavors. It is perfect for lunch, dinner, or any gathering. This salad is not only easy to make, but it is also nutritious and filling.

Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. They are also low in calories and very good for your health. The fresh vegetables add important vitamins and minerals. Together, they create a satisfying meal. The Greek flavors from the olives and feta cheese take this salad to a higher level.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this Greek Lentil Salad for many reasons. First, it is very easy to make. You can prepare it in just a few minutes. Even if you are new to cooking, you can follow the steps without any trouble.

Next, this salad is very healthy. Lentils have many benefits for your body. They help you feel full longer and keep your energy up. The vegetables add crunch and freshness.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can change the ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t like feta cheese, you can use a non-dairy version. If you want more protein, you can add chicken or tuna.

Finally, this salad is a feast for the eyes. The bright colors of the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers make it attractive. You will want to eat it as soon as you see it!

HOW TO MAKE Greek Lentil Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cans lentils (15 oz / 400 g each can or 3 cups cooked brown or green lentils)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• 1 cup bell pepper (green or yellow — diced)
• 1½ cups cucumber (diced)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• ⅓ cup Kalamata olives
• 4 ounces feta cheese (or non-dairy feta)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste + black pepper)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Make the Dressing

To start, take a large mixing bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Next, put in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. After that, add 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of salt. Don’t forget to add some black pepper.

Whisk all the ingredients together well. Make sure everything is mixed and it looks nice and smooth.

Marinate the Lentils

Now, it is time to prepare the lentils. Open 2 cans of lentils and drain them well. Rinse them under cold water and shake to remove as much water as possible. Once drained, add the lentils to the dressing in the bowl. Mix them carefully to coat them in the dressing. Set this aside to marinate while you prep the veggies.

Chop and Add Veggies

Get your vegetables ready. Chop 2 cups of cherry tomatoes into quarters. Dice 1½ cups of cucumber. Thinly slice ½ red onion. Dice 1 cup of bell pepper. Lastly, chop ⅓ cup of Kalamata olives.

Now, add all these chopped veggies into the bowl with the marinated lentils. Gently toss everything together until it is well combined. The colors should mix nicely, and it should smell great!

Serve with Feta

Finally, it’s time to add the feta cheese. Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese into the bowl. Gently mix it in with the salad. Now, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. You can serve it right away. Or, if you prefer, cover it and refrigerate for a while. This will help the flavors blend even more.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Greek Lentil Salad

Greek Lentil Salad can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be a main dish or a side dish. Serve it on its own for a light meal or alongside grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or barbecue.

You can serve this salad with some crusty bread or pita on the side. It goes very well with a yogurt dip or hummus. The fresh flavors complement many different dishes.

If you have leftovers, this salad tastes even better the next day. The ingredients continue to soak up the flavors of the dressing.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Greek Lentil Salad

If you need to store Greek Lentil Salad, keep it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors may get stronger as it sits, making it even tastier.

However, it is not recommended to freeze this salad. The fresh vegetables and feta cheese will not hold up well in the freezer. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days after making it.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Greek Lentil Salad can be served in many creative ways. You can add extra toppings such as avocado or fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

Serve this salad with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zesty flavor. You can also sprinkle some seeds or nuts for a crunchy texture.

This salad pairs nicely with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. For a more complete meal, add some grilled shrimp or chicken on top.

VARIATIONS

One of the best things about Greek Lentil Salad is how you can customize it. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add More Protein: You can add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken to boost the protein content.
• Change Up the Cheese: If you are not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
• Spice it Up: Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Other Vegetables: Try adding sliced radishes, carrots, or even avocados for a different taste.
• Different Dressings: If you want to change the flavor, try a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon dressing instead.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried lentils. Just cook them according to the package instructions, then cool them before adding to the salad.

Q2: Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, Greek Lentil Salad is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients are gluten-free friendly.

Q3: How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The salad will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Greek Lentil Salad

If you want to make Greek Lentil Salad ahead of time, follow these tips:

• Prepare the Dressing in Advance: You can make the dressing a day before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
• Chop the Vegetables Early: Chop your vegetables a few hours before serving. Keep them in the fridge in a container.
• Mix It Before Serving: It is best to mix the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

This salad is perfect for gatherings or busy days. With these tips, you will have a delicious meal ready whenever you want!

Greek Lentil Salad is a simple and healthy dish that everyone will love. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying choice for any meal. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this colorful Greek lentil salad that’s packed with plant-based protein and fresh vegetables. This nutritious powerhouse combines tender lentils with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and briny Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty herb-infused dressing. Topped with creamy feta cheese and finished with a drizzle of olive oil, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal that actually gets better as it sits, allowing all the bold Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, healthy dinner, or impressive potluck contribution, this versatile salad delivers on both nutrition and taste. For more protein-packed salad ideas, explore our dense bean salad recipe or our Mediterranean dense bean salad. Complete your Mediterranean feast with our ultimate guide to building a mezze platter for effortless entertaining.

Print