Mediterranean Lentil Salad
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Lentils may seem like an odd choice in the summer, but quite honestly, I’ve been eating a lot of them lately. You saw I braised them with vegetables here, and I had some lentil soup the other day, even though it was quite warm out. But if you’re not into hot lentils during hot months, you may be a little more into this cool lentil salad.
This is a nice change of pace from the usual potato and pasta salads of summer. It’s heartier, full of fiber, and healthy. It’s great as a dinner side or as a stand-alone lunch. I’ve used Mediterranean ingredients here, all of which are pantry staples for me. This would be equally great with fresh tomatoes in place of the sundried ones and some roasted red peppers, too.
This salad is best served at room temperature, but cold leftovers are just as good.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Serves 6-8
Printer Friendly Recipe
1.5 cups lentils
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup sliced sundried tomatoes
1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup chopped parsley
1 shallot, minced
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. good quality extra virgin olive oil
3 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Bring a pot of water and the bay leaf to a boil. Rinse and pick over the lentils, and then add them to the boiling water. Cook until soft, about 20-25 minutes.
Drain the lentils and set aside to cool slightly. Toss with the sundried tomatoes, olives and parsley.
Whisk together the shallot, red wine vinegar and dijon. Slowly add the olive oil, whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slightly warm lentils and mix to combine. Top with goat cheese crumbles. Serve at room temperature.
Yes please! I have been wanting to make a cold lentil salad. Thanks for the inspiration and nudge!
I think I could live on all your recipes! I know I’ll like this one, too. I just made Chiecken Shawarma last week and it was heavenly. Thanks.
So glad you liked the shawarma, Rosemary!
This looks so good, Elly!!! I love lentils!
Oh wow. I could totally eat the whole plate!
I love lentils, especiallyt in a salad, and just don’t make them often enough. Thanks for the nudge.
Mmm I love lentils and this looks great with the sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese. Good stuff and way better than potato salad.
I have been absolutely addicted to lentils lately as well! I love anything with Mediterranean flavors. Gorgeous photos!
I love lentils…and they are great in cold salads. Though I’m a little tempted to tuck this into a pita pocket!
I’ve been all about lentils lately too and love this Mediterranean twist!
I love this lentil salad Elly. The cheese is a great addition.
Looks wonderful, I love lentils. I think I’ll make it for dinner.
I was going to email, but couldn’t find your address from before… So, about our CSA… we’re doing it this year through Simply Wisconsin, which I found on Local Harvest. They have a couple pick up locations near where we live, and it’s gone really smoothly so far. We’re doing a half share, so we get a full box every other week. It’s been a lot of fun cooking with the mix of veggies we get! If you want more info, email me. Also, have you gone to the Logan Square farmer’s market before? It’s on Sundays, which is convenient for me, and not too early (starts at 10). I’ve been a few times now, and really like it!
Also, I have multiple bags of lentils in my pantry, and no idea how to use them! So I might be trying this recipe really soon. It sounds really good!
I was just commenting somewhere else that I haven’t had lentils at all the summer. I think I need to revisit!
This recipe looks great. We had very similar thoughts only a few days apart…
http://hurstbeanblog.com/2010/08/02/mediterranean-lentil-salad/
Thanks for posting!
Looks great! Love the spices you added to the lentils.
That looks SO good- I’m obsessed with goat cheese! You should try this recipe– it’s a warm goat cheese salad and it’s to die for!
This salad is just packed with amazing flavours!
I’m someone who eat a lot of lentils in the fall and winter but totally ignores them in the spring and summer. This recipe is just what I need to enjoy my lentils when it’s warm outside! Thanks!! 🙂
I love each and every one of these ingredients. In fact I just bought some lentils and must try this!
Mediterranean Lentil Salad which is the Nice Vegetarian Healthy Salad.
What a lovely recipe — has all the ingredients that are oh so delicious. Thanks for sharing this dish with us.
Judi
This is excellent!!!