Description
Classic Lebanese Lentil Salad is a fresh, protein-packed Mediterranean salad made with tender lentils, parsley, mint, cucumber, tomato, red onion, olive oil, and lemon juice. This easy Lebanese lentil salad is light, healthy, naturally vegan, and perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
1 cup dried brown or green lentils
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water and remove any debris.
2. Add the lentils to a medium saucepan with plenty of water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Drain the lentils and let them cool to room temperature.
5. While the lentils cool, finely dice the red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes.
6. Chop the parsley and mint.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
8. Place the cooled lentils in a large mixing bowl.
9. Add the red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
10. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
11. Let the salad rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors blend.
12. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Fresh lemon juice gives the salad its bright flavor, so bottled juice will not taste quite the same.
Do not overcook the lentils or they may turn soft and muddy the texture of the salad.
This salad tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge, which makes it a great make-ahead option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg