Description
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing salad made with hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a tangy lemon dill dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a light but filling vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
1 cup green or brown lentils
3 cups water (for boiling lentils)
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon extra dill for garnish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and place in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, veggies, and crumbled feta.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
7. Garnish with additional dill and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, don’t overcook the lentils—they should remain firm yet tender.
Add the feta and dill just before serving if preparing this salad in advance.
To brighten it up even more, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lentil salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy vegetarian lunch, lemon dill salad, meal prep salad