Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Sauté the Vegetables:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 13.1 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
- Fiber: 10.5 g
- Sugar: 5.4 g