Go Back

Vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

This vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad features tender-crisp sautéed vegetables, hearty lentils, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing. A satisfying and flavorful dish perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner, capturing the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

For the Sautéed Vegetables:
  • 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • medium red bell pepper approx. 100g, cored, seeded, and diced
  • 5.33 oz approx. 150g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments
  • cup approx. 100g red onion, finely diced
  • teaspoon kosher salt or a generous pinch
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or a generous pinch
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
  • 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 ½ Tablespoons approx. 10g fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 ⅓ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon ground cumin
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad Assembly:
  • 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils rinsed and drained if using canned; equivalent to one 19-oz can, or from cooking approx. 1 cup dry lentils
  • cup pitted Kalamata olives roughly chopped
  • ½ cup approx. 70g crumbled feta cheese, divided

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl (for dressing)
  • Large mixing bowl (for salad)
  • Ingredients

Method
 

Sauté the Vegetables:
  1. Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add the 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce the diced red bell pepper, trimmed green bean segments, and diced red onion. Cook, stirring periodically, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Season with the ⅙ teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a separate bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, ground cumin, ⅙ teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅙ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified.
Assemble the Lentil Salad:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked lentils. Gently fold in the slightly cooled sautéed vegetables, the prepared Lemon-Herb Dressing, the chopped Kalamata olives, and approximately two-thirds of the crumbled feta cheese (reserving the rest for garnish). Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
  1. Portion the Vibrant Mediterranean Lentil Salad into individual serving bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining crumbled feta cheese. This salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Notes:
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reviving Leftovers: If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, refresh it with a small drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Lentil Preparation: If cooking lentils from scratch, ensure they are cooked until tender but still hold their shape. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1.2 cups):
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 13.1 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
  • Fiber: 10.5 g
  • Sugar: 5.4 g
(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.)