Easy Lentil Salad with Veggies and Feta Ahead of Time

Life can get busy, and having a healthy meal ready is a blessing. This Mediterranean lentil salad is just that. It’s a dish you can make ahead, packed with good stuff.

It’s a mix of lentils, feta, veggies, and a tangy dressing. This combo makes for a meal that’s both tasty and good for you. With a little prep, you can enjoy it whenever you want. It’s a great way to save time and take care of your health.

Benefits of Making Lentil Salad with Veggies and Feta Ahead of Time

Preparing your Mediterranean lentil salad ahead of time has many benefits. It’s full of nutritional value and health benefits. Plus, it saves you time on busy weekdays.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re full of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. When you add crunchy veggies and creamy feta, you get a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.

The lentils give you a filling base. The veggies add a fresh crunch. And the feta brings a tangy, creamy touch.

Time-Saving Meal Prep Advantages

Making this lentil salad ahead of time saves you a lot of time. You can grab a serving from the fridge and enjoy a healthy meal easily. It’s perfect for healthy meal prep and helps you meet your nutritional goals.

Flavor Enhancement Over Time

As the flavors develop over time, the salad gets even better. The dressing fully mixes with the lentils and veggies. This creates a more cohesive and tasty flavor.

How to Create the Perfect Mediterranean Lentil Mixture

Making the perfect Mediterranean lentil salad recipe is simple. Just follow a few easy steps to create a tasty and healthy dish.

Start with the lentils. Choose green or brown lentils for their firm texture. Rinse them well and cook in broth until tender but still firm, about 15-20 minutes.

Now, mix in the lentil and feta combination. Chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers. Add these to the cooked lentils and crumbled feta cheese.

1. Make the zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the lentil mix and toss to coat.
3. Add chopped parsley, basil, or mint for extra flavor.

Let the salad sit to meld flavors. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days. This lets the lentil and feta combination absorb the lemon-herb vinaigrette.

When ready, the Mediterranean lentil salad recipe is a great addition to any meal. It’s a mix of hearty lentils, fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Ronaldo

A wholesome and vibrant salad featuring lentils, feta cheese, olives, and crunchy veggies, all brought together with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. It's versatile enough to serve as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 1120 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1/4 red onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped (optional)

For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Cook the Lentils

• Rinse lentils thoroughly
• In a medium saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups of water
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes
• Lentils should be tender but not mushy
• Drain and let cool to room temperature

Prepare the Vinaigrette

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard
• Season with salt and pepper
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils
• Add diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion
• Gently fold in crumbled feta and olives
• Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and mint

Serve

• Can be served immediately at room temperature
• Alternatively, refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld
• Best consumed within 2 days

Notes

Notes

• For a vegan version, omit feta or use a plant-based alternative
• Can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days

Nutritional Highlights

• High in plant-based protein
• Rich in fiber
• Good source of vitamins and minerals
• Heart-healthy Mediterranean-style ingredients

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Calcium: 100mg
• Iron: 4mg

Keyword healthy lentil salad, lemon vinaigrette salad, Mediterranean Lentil Salad, Mediterranean side dish

Conclusion

Making a lentil salad with veggies and feta ahead of time is a great idea. It’s healthy, tasty, and easy to make. Plus, it saves you time and makes the flavors better as it sits.

This salad is packed with protein from lentils and tangy feta. Add crunchy veggies and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s a perfect mix that gets even better as the flavors blend.

Try this recipe and add your own twist with Mediterranean ingredients. It’s a smart choice for a quick, healthy meal. Enjoy this tasty dish as part of your balanced diet.