Description
This Classic Lebanese Lentil Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or healthy snack. It’s light yet filling, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors thanks to fresh parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whether you’re looking for new dinner ideas, easy recipes for meal prep, or delicious vegetarian food ideas, this dish delivers. Ideal for gluten-free, vegan, and high-fiber diets, it’s an excellent addition to your collection of breakfast ideas or hearty side dishes.
Ingredients
1 cup brown or green lentils
3 cups water (for cooking lentils)
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water.
2. Add lentils and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 18–22 minutes until just tender.
4. Drain lentils and allow them to cool completely.
5. While lentils are cooling, chop white onion, green onions, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin if using.
7. In a large bowl, combine lentils with chopped vegetables and herbs.
8. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
9. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate before serving.
10. Taste and adjust lemon juice or seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Letting the salad sit helps the flavors fully absorb into the lentils.
You can prepare the lentils and dressing the day before and mix just before serving.
Use only fresh parsley and lemon juice for the most vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil, Toss
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg