A Quick and Healthy Mediterranean Lentil Salad

A quick lentil salad recipe for the perfect weeknight dinner. This Mediterranean lentil salad is quick and easy to throw together. It has a ton of protein and iron to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time, and on top of that, it tastes incredibly fresh! Try this cold salad out for yourself and see.

Sometimes, after I share what feels like 1000 sweet recipes, I like to balance it out with a few healthy recipes as well… I guess I should say I like to share a few healthy recipes with you guys. Because when I was making those deliciously yummy treats, I was enjoying this as my healthy balanced meal alongside a slice or two of my Moist Honey Tea Cake Loaf Just Like Grandma’s or Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake With A Coffee Frosting!

This healthy lentil salad recipe is near and dear to my heart because it is extremely easy to throw together. It’s so easy that I love making it for potlucks or even as a healthy holiday side dish.

This is the best Mediterranean lentil salad ever!

I’m actually known for bringing dishes that are filling and nutritious enough on their own to parties because often times I can’t eat everything that everyone else since I have multiple dietary restrictions. So with this filling and satisfying salad, I am always good!

Another thing that I love about this recipe for lentil salad is the fact that all the ingredients are easy to find. So whether be it summer or winter I know that I can make this with no issues!

Since we’re on a salad topic, you have to check out this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad!

Ingredients for this mediterranean lentil salad

• Dry lentils– I use brown lentils because they maintain their shape well and won’t get too mushy in the cooking process.
• Parsley– I love using curly parsley for the recipe both for the texture as well as for the flavor.
• Red Onion– Red onions will give this salad an extra kick.
• Jalapeños– I love adding jalapeños for an extra touch of spice but if you don’t like jalapenos feel free to trade that for green bell peppers.
• Olive Oil– I like to use the best tasting olive oil ever because it will add to the flavor of the salad. I always use Algerian olive oil but Italian or anything Mediterranean will work great!
• Lemon juice– Lemon juice to balance out all the flavors going on here and add a little sour to the dish!
• Salt & pepper– salt and pepper to taste.

What lentils work best for cold lentil salad?

Listen, I love all lentils… I don’t discriminate but some fit certain recipes better than others. In this case, you want to go with brown or green whole lentils. I always have some brown lentils on hand because they are sold pretty much everywhere and are very versatile. Avoid using split lentils or orange lentils for this recipe. They will turn become too mushy.

Why are lentils good for you?

Lentils are usually pretty low in calories but full of nutrients. They are very rich in iron and folate and can be an excellent source of vegetarian protein. These little beans are also great to incorporate into your diet if you are trying to lose weight because their high fiber content helps keep you full.

Are lentils gluten free?

Lentils are gluten-free, yes. Just like chickpeas and chickpea flour, lentil flour is often used as a gluten-free flour option. So if you have gluten sensitivities or

But just like oats, lentils are gluten-free but can be processed in facilities that also process other ingredients that might contain gluten. So make sure to check the packaging for a “gluten free” label to stay safe if you have severe allergic reactions.

How to make this healthy lentil salad?

First, cook the lentils according to the package directions. If you are using brown lentils, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add in the lentils and boil them in there for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain the lentils and set them aside to cool.

Add in the lentils to a bowl, then the parsley, the red onion, as well as the jalapeños. Top everything with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, then serve.

How to store lentil salad?

Store this Mediterranean lentil salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I love making it on Sundays and using it as a meal prep option. This is definitely a back-to-school-friendly recipe!