Feta-infused Greek lentil salad recipe
What's the story
The Greek Lentil Salad is a vibrant, nutritious blend of lentils, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Originating from the Mediterranean, it's celebrated for its health benefits and has been a Greek cuisine staple for centuries. Ideal for vegetarians and those seeking a protein-rich meal without meat or eggs, this dish is both hearty and refreshing. Let's get cooking.
Ingredients list
Gather the following ingredients
For the salad, gather one cup dried green lentils, two cups water, one finely chopped red onion, one diced cucumber, two diced tomatoes, half a cup of halved pitted Kalamata olives, and one cup crumbled vegetarian feta cheese. You'll also need a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil, three tablespoons red wine vinegar, one teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 1
Cook the lentils
Begin by rinsing the green lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with two cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until lentils are tender but not mushy - about 20 to 25 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables
As the lentils cool, prepare your vegetables. Finely chop one red onion for texture. Dice one cucumber and two tomatoes for a blend of freshness. Halve half a cup of pitted Kalamata olives to add a briny contrast. This preparation ensures each bite offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Step 3
Mix salad ingredients
In a large bowl, mix cooled lentils with chopped onions for texture. Add diced cucumbers, tomatoes for freshness, and halved Kalamata olives for a savory note. Lastly, fold in crumbled feta cheese gently to maintain its shape, ensuring each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, perfectly balancing the diverse ingredients of the salad.
Step 4
Dressing and seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are coated. This Greek Lentil Salad is easy to prepare and serves as a nutritious meal, or side dish for any occasion, perfect for lunch or dinner.