Description
Craving something fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor? This *Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing* is your new go-to for a quick lunch, hearty side, or meal prep favorite. Packed with protein-rich lentils, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and briny olives, it’s topped with a zesty homemade lemon dill dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re hunting for healthy snack options, vibrant dinner ideas, or a refreshing easy recipe for your weekday routine—this dish checks all the boxes for food ideas that are nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 cup dried green or brown lentils
3 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse lentils under cold water and remove any debris. Combine lentils with water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until just tender. Drain and let cool.
2. Chop the cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes and olives, slice onion, crumble feta, and chop dill.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, mustard, garlic, dill, and sweetener in a small bowl. Season to taste.
4. In a large bowl, combine lentils, chopped veggies, olives, feta, and dill. Pour over dressing and toss gently.
5. Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes so the flavors blend.
6. Serve cold or at room temperature. Optionally garnish with more dill or lemon zest.
Notes
1. For convenience, use canned lentils—just rinse and drain well.
2. Fresh lemon juice and dill are essential for the brightest flavor.
3. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately to keep the texture crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil, mix
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg