byang05
Culinary Explorer
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish to brighten up your Lenten menu? Well, look no further – I've got just the recipe for you: Mediterranean Lentil Salad! It's a colorful medley of hearty lentils, crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and zesty lemon-herb dressing. Trust me, it's like a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Let's dive in and create something truly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve your Mediterranean Lentil Salad chilled, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish!
And that's how you make a mouthwatering Mediterranean Lentil Salad that's guaranteed to add flair to your Lenten meals. So, give it a try, indulge in those Mediterranean flavors, and relish each delightful spoonful.
I appreciate how it incorporates nutritious ingredients like lentils, veggies, and herbs, making it both wholesome and satisfying. Plus, the lemony dressing sounds like it adds a refreshing zing to tie everything together. Thanks for sharing this delightful Lenten creation with us! 
It's a dish that's not only bursting with flavor but also packed with wholesome goodness, making it a perfect addition to your Lenten menu or any time you're craving a nutritious meal!
