Lemony Lentil and Feta Salad Recipe

It is spring time! I absolutely love this warmer weather and what better way to celebrate spring than with lemons 😉

I am all about lemons. The versatile yellow wonder is one of the most widely used citrus fruits in the world. An excellent source of vitamin C along with some antioxidants, iron, copper, potassium and calcium, lemons can be added to a multitude of recipes to enhance flavour and increase the acidity. I add lemon to almost everything I eat, especially salads.

My Lemony Lentil and Feta Salad is super quick to make and a favourite of my daughters. The mild lentils are complemented by the salty feta cheese and the crunchy peppers and cucumbers, while the black olives add texture. The lemon and oil-based dressing has just the right balance of acidity and gives the salad a flavourful ‘zing’. This Greek-inspired salad is full of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals, great for lunch or dinner!

Because of the feta cheese, I don’t add salt to this recipe. Instead, I rely on the bold lemon flavour of the dressing along with some Greek-inspired seasonings. Give this recipe a try today 🙂

Lemony Lentil and Feta Salad Recipe 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes tops

INGREDIENTS:

Salad:

• 540mL/19oz can of lentils, rinsed and drained
• ¹⁄2 large red pepper, diced 
• ¹⁄2 large yellow pepper, diced 
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup crumbled, low-fat feta cheese
• 1 cup sliced, ripe black olives (avoid any marinated olives for this salad)
• Optional seasonings: salt, pepper, dried oregano or thyme

Dressing:

• ¹⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¹⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a large lemon)
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine lentils, chopped peppers, cucumber and olives
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and garlic powder (add salt and pepper if so desired)
3. Drizzle dressing onto salad and gently mix with a spoon or salad tongs
4. Add further seasonings as desired such a dried oregano, thyme, etc.

Bon appétit!