Mediterranean Lentil Salad – Healthy, Protein-Packed & Flavorful
Mediterranean Lentil Salad – a healthy, protein-packed, and incredibly flavorful salad featuring tender green lentils tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or as a vibrant side dish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dressing:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- For the Salad:
- 1 cup green or black lentils
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mint, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and olive oil until well combined.
- Rinse lentils and cook in a pot with bay leaf and water for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain excess water.
- Add warm lentils to the dressing and mix gently. Let cool slightly.
- Add cucumber, bell peppers, green onions, parsley, and mint. Toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Green or black lentils hold their shape best – avoid red lentils which become mushy.
- Adding warm lentils to the dressing helps them absorb more flavor.
- Make ahead: this salad tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Add crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with pita bread, hummus, or over a bed of mixed greens.
- Substitute fresh dill or cilantro for mint if preferred.
- Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, or red onion for even more Mediterranean flavor.