This fresh and zesty Mediterranean-style lentil salad is packed with big flavor and lots of protein! It’s perfect as a side dish recipe or lunch idea.

Lentils may just be the perfect food. They’re cheap, good for you, and packed with plant based protein. On top of that, they’re shelf stable for up to 3 years! I mean, what other food can boast those credentials? Here’s a top-notch lentil recipe to add to your arsenal, and man is it tasty. This fresh and healthy lentil salad is Mediterranean-style, mixed with fresh veggies, feta cheese and pistachios. It’s a delicious way to add protein to a vegetarian meal as a side dish, or bring to work as a lunch throughout the week. Alex and I couldn’t stop eating it!

What’s in this lentil salad?

This lentil salad is bursting with fresh flavors: the brightness of the lemon dressing contrasts with the earthy lentils, and it’s punctuated with fresh mint and crunchy bell peppers. Alex and I made a big batch and ate off of it for days for lunches and main dish dinner salads! It’s also perfect as a showy side dish (we plan to bring it to Christmas dinner). But it works for any season, so make it for winter meals or as a summery salad on the patio. Here’s what’s in this lentil salad:

• Black or French lentils: This type of lentil is small and holds its shape when cooked, making it perfect for salads. If you can’t find black, use French lentils.
• Zesty vinaigrette: The salad is covered in a dressing made from lemon, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and spices.
• Bell pepper, shallot, arugula & radishes: The lentils are combined with colorful, crunchy fresh veggies. Radishes aren’t required but add a lovely pink color as the garnish.
• Feta crumbles: Feta cheese adds a salty component that rounds out the salad.
• Pistachios: For even more protein, bright green pistachios add a crunch.

What makes French and black lentils special

Black and French lentils are worth seeking out for this lentil salad! The most common type of lentils are green, red, and brown lentils. You might have had these in a lentil soup or curry. Brown, red and green lentils fall apart easily when cooked, making them perfect for soups and curries. In this Indian Masoor Dal, the lentils take on a texture almost like a puree.

On the other hand, black lentils (beluga lentils) and French lentils (Puy or du Puy) hold their shape when cooked. This makes them perfect for using in salads because the texture holds together.

Where to find black lentils

Black and French lentils should be available at your local grocery store! It’s harder to find black lentils, so French is pretty interchangeable. We like using black lentils in this salad because the color is stunning and the flavor is a little milder than French lentils. But either will do! If you’re having a hard time finding them, you can buy them online here.

Leftovers taste even better!

One great part about this lentil salad is that it saves well and leftovers taste even better! The dressing will marinate even more with the lentils and they’ll soak up the flavors more. This recipe a perfect contender to make for desk lunches throughout the week. Alex and I also used it for “throw-together” dinners because it was perfect for adding vegetarian protein to a plate!

Ways to serve this lentil salad

This lentil salad works for all sorts of occasions! It works a vegetable-heavy healthy side dish for a dinner party, or an easy lunch to take to work. Here are a few ways we’d suggest serving it:

• For lunch, with pita bread. Make up a batch of this salad, store in the fridge, and enjoy with pita triangles or crusty bread as a vegetarian lunch.
• With salmon. Serve it as a side dish to Lemon Dill Salmon or Baked Salmon and it’s a gorgeous Mediterranean-style dinner.
• With pasta. A great way to infuse more nutrients and protein to a meal with pasta at the center is serving with this lentil salad. Try it with our Creamy Cavatappi Pasta or Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese.

Can you omit the feta?

This lentil salad is vegetarian but not fully plant based because of the feta cheese! The feta brings in the perfect salty, savory element. We’d recommend using the feta, or try another cheese crumble like goat cheese. If you’re serving it for a crowd, you could leave the feta on the side so people can customize it to their liking.

For a 100% vegan lentil salad, we’d suggest a non-dairy cheese crumble if you have a good brand. Or leave out the cheese entirely and add a little more kosher salt to the salad.

This lentil salad recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, omit the feta and add more salt to taste, or use a dairy-free cheese crumble.

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A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes