Amazing Lentil Salad with Lemony Vinaigrette
from kristineskitchenblog.comThis lentil salad is bright, fresh and easy to make! Enjoy it for lunch or as a side dish with grilled salmon or baked chicken.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 245kcal
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup French green (Le Puy) lentils or regular green or brown lentils*
- 4 cups water
- 1 small English cucumber quartered lengthwise and then chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper or red or orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 6 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes halved (1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or fresh parsley
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- zest of one small lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Use your hands to look through the lentils, removing any small rocks or other debris. Place lentils in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water. Combine the lentils and the 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot and cook until lentils are tender yet still have a bite to them (taste one to check), 15-25 minutes. Drain lentils well and place them in a large bowl; set aside to cool.
- While the lentils cool, make the salad dressing and chop the remaining salad ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: To the bowl with the lentils, add the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes and cilantro (or parsley). Pour the dressing over and gently stir to combine. Add the feta cheese and gently stir them into the salad.
- Taste salad and add more salt and/or pepper, as needed, to taste.
- Salad may be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator before serving.
Video
Notes
- French green (Le Puy) lentils are my favorite for this salad since they hold their shape well after cooking.
- Lentil salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 3mg
