Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Name: Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked french (black or green lentils); 1/4 cup kalamata olives (halved {you will want to use pitted olives-you can use any olive of your choice}); 1/3 cup roasted red peppers (drained, chopped {try fire roasted for nice flavor}); 1/2 of a small red onion (diced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 red bell pepper (seeds removed, diced {or color of your choice}); 1/2 of an english cucumber (diced); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {optional or try goat cheese}; Handful of fresh mint (chopped); Handful of fresh parsley (chopped); 4 green onions (chopped); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 lemon (juiced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional spices: 1 to 2 teaspoons of any spice you like {try sumac (za'atar or oregano})

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is full of bold flavors from tender lentils, juicy tomatoes, crisp vegetables, briny olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light lemony dressing. Serve it as a flavorful side dish or enjoy it with pita bread and hummus for a satisfying lunch.

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Total35 min
Makes6 servings
Calories269

Ingredients

6 servings

1 cup uncooked french (black or green lentils)
1/4 cup kalamata olives (halved {you will want to use pitted olives-you can use any olive of your choice})
1/3 cup roasted red peppers (drained, chopped {try fire roasted for nice flavor})
1/2 of a small red onion (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 red bell pepper (seeds removed, diced {or color of your choice})
1/2 of an english cucumber (diced)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese {optional or try goat cheese}
Handful of fresh mint (chopped)
Handful of fresh parsley (chopped)
4 green onions (chopped)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 lemon (juiced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional spices: 1 to 2 teaspoons of any spice you like {try sumac (za'atar or oregano})

Method

1
Cook the lentils according to the package. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large bowl mix together the lentils, olives, roasted red peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, feta cheese, mint, parsley and green onions.
3
In a large mason jar or salad dressing container add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and whisk together. Add salt and pepper to taste and 1 teaspoon of an additional spice if you like {try sumac, za'atar, oregano}. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat with the dressing.
4
Let the salad marinate for 30 in the fridge before serving if you can. This helps let the flavors meld and enhances the taste.
5
Serve with hummus and pita bread or use this salad as a topping for pita wraps, hummus plates or falafel.

Notes

This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an air tight container. This salad is easily modified to your tastes. Try adding artichokes, different vegetables, green olives, fire roasted tomatoes or goat cheese.