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4.5 from 531 votes

Lentil Salad

This healthy Lentil Salad is made with green lentils, crunchy cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, onion, herbs, and a simple lemon dressing. It’s packed with flavor and a favorite for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 217 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the salad:
  • 1 cup uncooked green lentils, rinsed well and picked over
  • 3 cups water (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 English cucumber, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and finely diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large saucepan, combine the lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and then turn to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are soft, but still slightly firm. Do not overcook or the lentils will be mushy.
  2. While the lentils are cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. When the lentils are done cooking, use a colander to drain the lentils. Discard the bay leaf. Rinse quickly with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
  4. Add the cucumber, red pepper, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese, if using, to the bowl. Stir. Drizzle with dressing and toss until well combined. Serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Nutrition Information

Calories 217kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 21mg (1%) Potassium 448mg (13%) Fiber 11g (44%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 897IU (18%) Vitamin C 35mg (39%) Calcium 35mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 217

% Daily Value*

Calories 217kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 21mg 1%
Potassium 448mg 10%
Fiber 11g 44%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 897IU 18%
Vitamin C 35mg 39%
Calcium 35mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.