New Years Lentil Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this lentil salad recipe because it’s not only packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, but it also provides a healthy balance of flavors with the zestiness of lemon juice and the creaminess of crumbled feta. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and makes for a perfect meal prep option, keeping me fueled and feeling good throughout the week!

Start your New Year off with my vibrant and nutritious Lentil Salad. This protein-rich dish is a good base for the following tasty ingredients: lentils, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper, and burst-of-flavor seasonings.

I love how the feta cheese adds a creamy touch; parsley gives it a fresh finish. And the dressing?

It’s the perfect way to usher in a zesty, healthy start to the New Year.

Ingredients

Lentils: They have a substantial amount of protein and fiber, which serve as the bedrock of a filling meal.

Onion, Red: Contributes a zesty, revitalizing flavor and provides antioxidants.

Bursting with sweetness and vitamin C, cherry tomatoes are a marvelous treat.

A cucumber: Offers low-calorie hydration and a crunchy texture.

The red bell pepper is sweet and crunchy and is rich in vitamins A and C.

Feta cheese contributes creaminess and a tangy flavor, along with calcium benefits.

Parsley: A fresh spice packed with vitamins A, C, and K.

Garlic delivers aromatic intensity and maybe immune enhancement.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils that have been rinsed, the water, the bay leaf, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. High heat brings the mixture to a boil. The heat is then reduced to low, and the pan is covered and left to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy when you’re done. You may need to drain off excess water, and the bay leaf should be discarded (it’s not edible). Then, set the lentils aside to cool.

2. In a big mixing bowl, blend together the lentils that have cooled down, the red onion, the cherry tomatoes, the cucumber, the red bell pepper, and the parsley. A large bowl is essential for this mixing. You want to combine these ingredients gently, and when you read the instructions, you can imagine what a healthy combination this is!

3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until well amalgamated and set aside.

4. Drizzle the dressing onto the lentil mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

6. Feta cheese that has been crumbled should be folded in with care, so that it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

7. Deaden the salad and let it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour so that the flavors can blend.

8. Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary with more lemon juice or salt.

9. Present the salad as a refreshing and healthful dish, served either cooled or at room temperature.

10. You can garnish the dish with extra chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving to add even more freshness and flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan with lid
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
4. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Whisk
8. Strainer or colander
9. Serving platter or bowl
10. Refrigerator
11. Serving spoon

FAQ

• Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?Certainly, canned lentils can be used. They should be rinsed and drained before being incorporated into the salad. You can omit the cooking step and move directly to the rest of the recipe’s instructions.
• Is there a substitute for feta cheese?Certainly! If you want a plant-based option, you can use a non-dairy feta or leave it out completely. Goat cheese and ricotta salata are good substitutes as well.
• How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?You can keep this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I would not add feta until just before serving.
• Can I make this salad in advance?Indeed, you can make it a day in advance without the dressing and cheese. Just before serving, add the dressing and cheese, and then enjoy.
• Are there any variations I can try?You can add other vegetables, such as avocados or roasted red peppers, or bump up the protein with cooked chicken or chickpeas.
• What can I serve with this lentil salad?This dish accompanies grilled fish or meat very well, or it can be served all on its own as a light lunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Use black beluga lentils rather than green or brown lentils for a different texture in this dish.
In case red onion is unavailable, shallots or yellow onion can serve as substitutes.
Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Substitute yellow or orange bell pepper for red bell pepper to get a comparable crunch and a flavor that is just as sweet.
Use Greek cheese or goat cheese in place of feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Absorption After cooking the lentils, let them cool completely at room temperature without rinsing. This allows them to absorb the dressing more effectively, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

2. Marinate the Onion To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak the chopped pieces in a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow its taste and make it more palatable.

3. Optimize Dressing When whisking the dressing, add a pinch of salt to help emulsify the mixture. This tiny addition can improve the texture of the dressing and make it coat the ingredients more smoothly.

4. Freshness Check For the best texture and flavor, ensure that all fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley, are at their peak freshness. Avoid overripe tomatoes or wilted parsley to keep the salad vibrant.

5. Chill Time Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour instead of just half an hour. This extended chilling time helps the flavors meld together more thoroughly, resulting in a more delicious dish.