Imagine a salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, where every forkful bursts with vibrant flavors and nutritious goodness. This Greek Lentil Feta Salad is not just a dish—it's a culinary journey that combines protein-packed lentils, creamy feta, and fresh vegetables in a dance of Mediterranean perfection. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a foodie looking for a quick and delicious meal, or someone craving a taste of Greek cuisine, this recipe will revolutionize your salad game and leave you wanting more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of lentils under cold running water to remove any debris. Drain them well.
- In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and cover them with about 3 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice 1/2 cup of cucumber and add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice 1/4 cup of red onion and add it to the mixing bowl as well.
- Once the lentils are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool them down quickly. This will also stop the cooking process.
- Add the cooled lentils to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.
- Next, crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad mixture in the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined. Make sure the lentils and feta are evenly distributed.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the Greek Lentil Feta Salad at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy this healthy and refreshing dish!
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse lentils before cooking and avoid overcooking. They should be tender but still maintain their shape for the best texture.
- Chill Factor: For an extra refreshing experience, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk the olive oil and red wine vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and packed lunches.
- Cheese Tip: Use high-quality feta for the most authentic Greek flavor—look for authentic Greek brands if possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
