Best 9 Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our delectable lentil salad. This refreshing and nutritious dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring tender lentils, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onion, and a burst of fresh herbs. Drizzled with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing, this salad is a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds to sun-soaked shores.

In addition to the classic lentil salad, this article offers a delightful array of lentil-based recipes that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. From the hearty and protein-packed lentil soup, perfect for chilly evenings, to the aromatic and flavorful lentil curry, infused with Indian spices, there's something for every palate.

For those seeking a quick and healthy lunch option, the lentil and avocado salad offers a satisfying combination of textures and nutrients. And for a vegan twist on a classic dish, the lentil Bolognese is a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional meat-based sauces.

Whether you're a seasoned lentil enthusiast or new to exploring the culinary delights of this versatile legume, this article provides a comprehensive collection of recipes that showcase the diverse culinary possibilities of lentils. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these delectable lentil dishes.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Lentil Salad image

This is a delicious lentil salad, that keeps very well in the refrigerator.

Provided by Candice

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup dry brown lentils
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup diced celery
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup olive oil

Steps:

  • In a saucepan combine lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  • Drain lentils and vegetables and remove bay leaf. Add olive oil, lemon juice, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss to mix and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 452.8 mg, Sugar 3 g

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE ROASTED RED PEPPER AND LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Style Roasted Red Pepper and Lentil Salad image

A perfect summer salad to share with friends and family over a picnic or for dinner. This whole food lentil salad recipe is super easy to make, plus it's vegan-friendly!

Provided by Pooja Mottl

Categories     Salad     Beans     Lentil Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ½ large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup French green lentils
3 cups cold water
1 pinch sea salt
1 small onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
½ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 small shallots, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Toss red pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until the peppers are very soft and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes. Allow peppers to cool, then dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • Combine lentils and cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, add a pinch of salt, and simmer, covered, until the lentils are just tender to the bite, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Transfer cooled lentils to the mixing bowl.
  • Gently mix in the onion, celery, carrots, and parsley. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • Combine the Dijon mustard, chopped shallots, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Blend on High for 10 seconds. Gradually add olive oil and blend again until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over lentils and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Taste the salad and add remaining dressing if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Fat 32.2 g, Fiber 12.1 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 673 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS AND LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Couscous and Lentil Salad image

Categories     Salad     Bean     Pasta     Side     Quick & Easy     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup lentilles du Puy* (French green lentils) or brown lentils
3 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup couscous
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
1 large garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1 bunch arugula, stems discarded and leaves washed well, spun dry, and chopped
2 cups vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 pound feta, crumbled (about 1 cup)
*available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well. Transfer hot lentils to a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Cool lentils completely, stirring occasionally.
  • In a saucepan bring water to a boil and add couscous and salt. Remove pan from heat and let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and cool completely, stirring occasionally.
  • In a small bowl whisk together garlic paste, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir lentils and dressing into couscous. Chill salad, covered, at least 3 hours and up to 24.
  • Just before serving, stir in remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Lentil Salad image

Here's a summery lentil salad topped with tomatoes, roasted peppers and feta, garnished with hard-cooked eggs, anchovy fillets and good canned tuna. Studded with olives and sprinkled with oregano, it's a sort-of niçoise salad by way of Greece, an easy main course suitable for a picnic or a no-fuss make-ahead supper.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, weekday, salads and dressings, vegetables, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 cups small brown or green lentils, such as Castelluccio or Le Puy
1 bay leaf
A few thyme sprigs, tied in a bundle
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 pounds tiny new potatoes
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 3 cups)
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in ice water
2 red bell peppers, roasted, skin removed and cut into long, wide strips
8 anchovy fillets (optional)
8 ounces good-quality canned tuna, drained, in large chunks (optional)
4 hard-cooked eggs (9 minutes), halved or quartered
2 tablespoons roughly chopped mint
3 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley
Small handful of basil leaves, for garnish
1 cup good-quality black olives, such as niçoise, Kalamata or Moroccan
4 ounces feta, cut in 1/2-inch slices
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, plus more to taste
2 garlic cloves, grated or smashed to a paste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon crumbled oregano, plus a little more for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Cook the lentils: Rinse and put in a medium saucepan. Cover with 4 cups water and add bay leaf, thyme sprig and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently with lid ajar for 20 to 25 minutes, until lentils are tender. Set pot aside and let cool to room temperature.
  • Put the potatoes in another saucepan, cover with water and add a heaping teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to brisk simmer. Cook about 15 minutes, until cooked through when probed with a paring knife. Drain and set aside. (If desired, use a paring knife to remove skins from potatoes while still warm.) Cut in halves or quarters.
  • While lentils cook, make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, stir together vinegar and garlic. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the oil. Taste and adjust. Stir in oregano.
  • Put the cherry tomatoes in a bowl. Drain onion slices, and add to the tomatoes along with roasted pepper strips. Season with salt, then add half the vinaigrette (well whisked). Toss to coat.
  • To assemble salad, drain lentils and transfer to a large low, wide bowl or platter and let cool for 10 minutes. Add remaining vinaigrette, sprinkle with a little salt and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Top lentils with tomato-onion-pepper mixture. Arrange anchovy fillets, tuna (if using) and eggs on top. Sprinkle with mint and parsley. Arrange halved or quartered potatoes around the perimeter. Garnish with basil leaves, olives and feta. Sprinkle a pinch of oregano over the salad.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD WITH LEMON-THYME VINAIGRETTE



Mediterranean Lentil Salad With Lemon-Thyme Vinaigrette image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield Four servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup lentils
5 cups water
1 tomato, cored and chopped
1/2 cup oil-cured black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 stalks celery, trimmed, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • To make the salad, combine the lentils and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain, place in a large bowl and let cool. Toss the tomato, olives, feta and celery with the lentils.
  • To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic and thyme in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Whisk in the salt and pepper. Toss the vinaigrette with the salad and season to taste. Divide among 4 plates, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 338, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 1067 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Lentil Salad image

A light refreshing dressing lends a lemony lift to this Mediterranean mix of lentils, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. "This good-for-you side taste terrific and goes together in a jiffy," says Melissa Nichols of Shorewood, Minnesota. "My family loves it served with homemade bread."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

5 cups water
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (about 4 medium)
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring water and lentils to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Rinse under cold water; drain. Place in a large bowl to cool. , Meanwhile, in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the lemon juice, oil, garlic, sugar, thyme, salt and pepper; shake well. Add tomatoes, celery, cheese and olives to lentils; toss to combine. , Add dressing and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts :

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Mediterranean Lentil Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, salt, yellow bell pepper, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomato, lentils, fresh parsley

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 12

¼ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
½ cup chickpeas
½ cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup cherry tomato, halved
½ cup lentils, cooked
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large mason jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and salt. Stir or swirl to combine.
  • Add the bell pepper, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, lentils, and parsley and screw on the lid.
  • Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat, up to 5 days
  • Give the mason jar a good shake to mix and use a fork or spoon to stir as needed.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 938 calories, Carbohydrate 86 grams, Fat 56 grams, Fiber 17 grams, Protein 29 grams, Sugar 13 grams

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Lentil Salad image

I love lentils, and this simple recipe makes these nutritious legumes into a quick and tasty meal. Serve on a bed of lettuce, topped with feta cheese and olives and surrounded by tomato wedges and cucumber slices. From "Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home: Fast and Easy Recipes for Any Day" by The Moosewood Collective

Provided by Veggie Girl NYC

Categories     Lentil

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup lentils
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato, not packed in oil
boiling water
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse the lentils. In a medium saucepan, bring the lentils, 4 c water, bay leaves, thyme, and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
  • While the lentils are simmering, cover the sun-dried tomatoes with boiling water in a heatproof bowl and set aside. Combine the celery, peppers, onions, and parsley in a large bowl. In a separate small (non-metallic) bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth. When the sun-dried tomatoes have softened, drain them and mince. Add to the chopped vegetables.
  • Drain the lentils and discard the bay leaves. Let cool, then remove the garlic, mash it, and mix it back into the lentils. Toss the lentils with the vegetables and dressing, and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
  • Serve immediately, or cover and chill to serve later.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.2, Fat 18.6, SaturatedFat 2.6, Sodium 161, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 4, Protein 5.9

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA AND LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Pasta and Lentil Salad image

Healthy, delicious, easy to make pasta salad for any time of the year.

Provided by LeanneC

Categories     Salad     Beans     Lentil Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
½ cup Greek-style vinaigrette (such as Renee's® Gourmet)
½ cup canned lentils
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup chopped red onion

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Rinse rotini with cold water to cool completely.
  • Toss cooled rotini, bell pepper, Greek vinaigrette, lentils, feta cheese, and red onion together in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289.2 calories, Carbohydrate 52.7 g, Cholesterol 11.1 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 10.4 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 488.7 mg, Sugar 9 g

Tips:

  • To save time, use canned or pre-cooked lentils. Just be sure to rinse them well before using.
  • For a more flavorful salad, roast the vegetables before adding them to the salad. This will caramelize the vegetables and give them a smoky flavor.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped cucumber, bell pepper, or zucchini.
  • If you don't have feta cheese on hand, you can use crumbled goat cheese or Parmesan cheese instead.
  • For a vegan version of the salad, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean lentil salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also very flavorful. The salad is also very easy to make, and it can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give this Mediterranean lentil salad a try.

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