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–+ servings

Lebanese Lentil Salad

A healthy and flavorful dish packed with protein and fiber, perfect for any meal as a main or side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Lebanese, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

Lentils and Cooking Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups water or low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 piece bay leaf
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher or sea salt for cooking

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 3 pieces scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh mint, optional Adding mint is optional but adds freshness.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 2 medium tomatoes diced Halved cherry tomatoes provide texture.
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground sumac, optional For a zesty flavor.
  • salt to taste salt to taste for finishing

Instructions
 

Cooking the Lentils

  • Rinse the lentils and remove any stones. Place them in a pot with water or broth, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and let simmer for 18 to 22 minutes until just tender.
  • Drain lentils, discard bay leaf, and allow to cool slightly. Optionally rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Preparing the Salad

  • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Adjust salt if needed.
  • Pour dressing over warm lentils and toss gently to coat.
  • Add red onion, scallions, parsley, and mint to the lentils.
  • Mix in cherry tomatoes and cucumber gently to avoid mushiness.
  • If using, sprinkle with ground sumac and adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Let the salad rest for at least 15 to 30 minutes to blend flavors, or chill for an hour.

Serving

  • Toss salad before serving and adjust lemon juice or olive oil if necessary. Garnish with parsley leaves and olive oil.

Notes

Best enjoyed within 48 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 200mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g
Keyword Healthy Salad, Lebanese Lentil Salad, Meal Prep, Quick side dish, Vegetarian Dish
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