A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
2largelemons, juiced
1 to 2largegarlic cloves, pressed or minced
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoonteaspoonUrfa Biber or Aleppo pepper red chili flakes
1/3cupextra virgin olive oil
1cupblack or green lentils, rinsed
1bay leafbay leaf
1largeEnglish cucumber, cut into large pieces
1red bell pepperfresh or roasted, cored and chopped
1orange bell peppercored and chopped
2green onionstrimmed and chopped
1/2cupchopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2cupchopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Slowly add olive oil while whisking until blended. Set aside.
Rinse lentils, then cook with bay leaf in boiling water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and add to the dressing while warm.
Let lentils cool slightly, then add cucumber, bell peppers, green onions, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to combine.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 3 days.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.