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Looking for a way to add more plant-based protein and nutrients to your meals? Lentils are a great choice. This Mediterranean lentil salad is easy to make and tastes amazing. Lentils are a top pick because they are simple to cook. You don’t have to soak them first. Just rinse them, and they’re ready to go.
Why Lentils?
Lentils are a staple in Mediterranean cooking for good reason. They are healthy and taste great. This salad is packed with flavor and fresh veggies. It’s also perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this tasty salad:
For the Dressing:
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- Salt and pepper
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber (or Aleppo pepper or chili flakes)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Salad:
- 1 cup green or black lentils, rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 English cucumber, cut into pieces
- 2 bell peppers, cored and chopped
- 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
Let’s Make the Salad
Follow these easy steps to create your own Mediterranean lentil salad.
Cook the Lentils
- Rinse one cup of green or black lentils.
- Put the lentils in a pot and add three cups of water. Make sure the water covers the lentils by about an inch.
- Add a bay leaf.
- Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
Make the Dressing
- Juice the lemons into a bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Urfa Biber for a smoky flavor. If you do not have it, you can use Aleppo pepper or chili flakes.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. This helps the dressing mix well and become creamy.
Chop the Veggies and Herbs
- Chop the cucumber, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Chop the fresh parsley and mint. Remember, in Mediterranean cooking, herbs are a main ingredient, not just a garnish.
Put It All Together
- Drain the lentils and let them cool slightly.
- Add the lentils to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the chopped veggies and herbs.
- Toss everything together.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Don’t use red lentils for this recipe. They will become too soft and mushy. Green or black lentils hold their shape better.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will blend together.
- Make it your own. Feel free to add other veggies or herbs that you like. This salad is very easy to change up.
The Star of the Show: Urfa Biber
Urfa Biber is a Turkish chili pepper with a unique flavor. It’s deep purple and has a smoky, slightly sweet taste. If you can find it, it will add a special touch to your salad. If not, Aleppo pepper or regular chili flakes are good substitutes. You can buy Mediterranean Spices online if you need to!
Perfect for Meal Prep
This lentil salad is great for making ahead of time. You can cook the lentils and chop the veggies in advance. Then, just mix everything together when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for lunches or a light dinner.
Make it a Meal
This salad can be a meal on its own, or you can serve it as a side dish. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a great option for a vegan or vegetarian meal.
Try It Out!
This Mediterranean lentil salad is a healthy, flavorful, and easy dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
Ready to try it? Make this recipe today!