Description
This Classic Lebanese Lentil Salad is a fresh, zesty, and satisfying dish packed with tender lentils, parsley, mint, cucumber, and a bright lemon dressing. It is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner side, healthy snack, meal prep favorite, and one of those simple food ideas that fits beautifully into your list of easy recipes, light dinner ideas, and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
1 cup brown or green lentils
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
1/3 cup white onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water.
2. Add the lentils and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 18 to 22 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Drain the lentils well and let them cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, add the cooled lentils, parsley, mint, cucumber, and onion.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
7. Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss until evenly combined.
8. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes so the flavors blend.
9. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice or salt if needed, then serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the lentils, or the salad can turn soft and mushy instead of light and nicely textured.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic lebanese lentil salad, lentil salad, mediterranean lentil salad, healthy salad, easy recipe, quick lunch, easy dinner side, healthy snack, food ideas, dinner ideas, salad recipe