Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing

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Bursting with flavor and loaded with colorful veggies, this Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing is a celebration of freshness in every bite. It combines hearty lentils with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a bright, zesty lemon dill dressing that makes this salad sing.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a protein-rich meatless meal, this recipe fits the bill. It holds up well for meal prep, travels beautifully for picnics and potlucks, and somehow gets even better after sitting a few hours in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Lentil Salad

This salad isn’t just healthy, it’s full of Mediterranean magic. Lentils bring a satisfying heartiness while staying plant-based, and the lemon dill dressing adds that refreshing tang you crave in a chilled dish. It’s also naturally gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, and easy to make ahead.

You’ll love how this recipe works as both a light lunch or a perfect sidekick to grilled meats. And the balance of textures—soft lentils, crunchy veggies, creamy feta—keeps every forkful exciting.

Can I Use Canned Lentils or Should I Cook Them From Scratch?

Canned lentils absolutely work for this recipe if you’re short on time. Just make sure to rinse them well to remove any excess sodium and preserve the clean flavor. However, if you have a few extra minutes, cooking green or brown lentils from scratch yields a firmer texture and allows you to season them as they simmer.

Ingredients for the Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing

To build the ultimate Mediterranean Lentil Salad, you’ll want to gather ingredients that offer texture, brightness, and bold flavor.

Lentils – The star of the show. Green or brown lentils hold their shape best after cooking and provide protein and fiber.

Cucumber – Adds a crisp, hydrating crunch that pairs well with the other bold flavors.

Cherry tomatoes – Their natural sweetness and juiciness help balance the briny and acidic notes in the salad.

Red onion – A sharp contrast that gives the salad depth and bite.

Kalamata olives – For that unmistakable Mediterranean briny pop.

Feta cheese – Creamy and salty, it melds beautifully with the tangy dressing.

Fresh dill – Essential in the dressing for that signature herby brightness.

Lemon juice – The acid that brings everything together.

Olive oil – A fruity, smooth base for the dressing.

Garlic – Just a hint, finely grated, for flavor punch.

Salt and pepper – To taste, and to amplify every bite.

How To Make the Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing

Step 1: Cook Your Lentils

Rinse and simmer the lentils in water with a pinch of salt until tender but still holding their shape. This usually takes 20-25 minutes. Drain well and let them cool.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

While the lentils cool, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the olives. Crumble your feta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

In a large bowl, gently toss together the lentils with all your chopped vegetables and feta. Drizzle the dressing over and mix until everything is well coated. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors marry.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

You can serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for deeper flavor. It holds up beautifully for several days.

Storing and Serving This Salad the Right Way

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad feeds around 4 as a main course or up to 6 as a side dish. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are even more delicious the next day. Just stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What to Serve With Mediterranean Lentil Salad?

Grilled Chicken

Lean and savory, grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the bright, fresh flavors of the salad.

Falafel

Keep it plant-based and Middle Eastern inspired by serving this with warm, crisp falafel.

Pita Bread or Flatbread

Perfect for scooping up every last bite, especially if you have extra dressing pooling at the bottom.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve alongside roasted carrots, cauliflower, or eggplant for a cozy and complete meal.

Grilled Shrimp

Add a citrusy, charred shrimp skewer on top for a light but protein-packed dish.

Hummus and Dips

Build a mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki and serve this salad right in the center.

Lamb Kofta

Hearty and flavorful, grilled lamb skewers make a bold partner to this refreshing salad.

Want More Salad Ideas Bursting with Flavor?

If you love this Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing, you might also love these other refreshing and hearty favorites:

• Creamy Broccoli Pasta is perfect when you want greens with comfort.
• Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries offers tangy-sweet notes and bold color.
• Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta Salad brings bright citrus and tender pasta together.
• Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes if you want an oven-baked side dish that’s super simple.
• Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad delivers crunch, sweet, and creamy dressing all in one.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the feta for goat cheese? Add extra herbs? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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