Mediterranean Lentil Salad (2024)

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Packed with fresh Mediterranean ingredients, tender lentils, and a flavorful citrus dressing, this Mediterranean lentil salad is quick to throw together and sure to be a lunch favorite!

And when I say lunch favorite, what I really mean is that you might never eat anything else for lunch again.

We have a LOT of Mediterranean-style salads on the website, but this one is just doing it’s own little thing with hearty lentils and a good drizzle of citrus vinaigrette.

It’s one of those salads that will keep you going all afternoon, plus packs in a good amount of protein!

We’re loading it up with just enough veggies for it to be super healthy and then of course going crazy with the fresh feta.

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad features…

• Tender protein-packed lentils
• A rainbow of fresh Mediterranean ingredients including cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red peppers, feta, and red onion
• Less than an hour to make and perfect for healthy meal prepping

Making the Mediterranean Lentil Salad

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

• Lentils
• Bay leaf
• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Feta cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Roasted red peppers
• Oregano
• Mint
• Dijon mustard
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Olive oil

Choosing Your Lentils

This recipe will work great with a variety of lentils! Green, brown, or black will all work great – see below for cook time adjustments depending on the lentil you go with.

• Green lentils: simmer 18-20 minutes.
• Brown lentils: simmer 20-25 minutes
• Black lentils: simmer 25-30 minutes

Tips for Perfect Lentil Salad

1. Don’t overcook lentils – ideally you want the lentils tender, not mushy. Start checking them around 15 minutes for doneness for best results.
2. Cut vegetables in uniform size – uniform cuts will make the salad easier to eat.
3. Allow salad to sit in dressing – the more time the salad has to marinate in the dressing, the more flavorful it will be!

Recipe Variations

Want to make a different version of this salad? Try these ideas!

• Add meat – cubed cooked chicken or bacon would be great meaty additions.
• Try different veggies – peas, artichoke hearts, avocado, spinach, or arugula would all work perfect in this salad.
• Use a different dressing – any Greek dressing or an Italian dressing would work great in place of the homemade dressing.

Make Ahead Instructions

Follow these instructions for easy make-ahead options!

• Cook lentils – the lentils may be cooked and stored in fridge up to 6 days.
• Prepare vegetables – chop the vegetables and store in fridge up to 4 days.
• Make the dressing – the dressing may be stored in the fridge up to 6 days.

Once the salad is assembled it stores well in the fridge for about 4 days.

This lentil salad will quickly become a keeper! The fresh veggies and lentils are bursting with flavor from the tangy citrus vinaigrette and it tastes even better the next day!

You’re about to win the lunch salad game for real.

Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it onInstagramwith #wholeandheavenlyoven.

Watch this salad made step-by-step on Google web stories.

More healthy, colorful salads you will want to try next!

• Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad
• Spring Roll Salad
• Strawberry Avocado Salad