It is spring time! I absolutely love this warmer weather and what better way to celebrate spring than with lemons ๐
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 ๐
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
- 1โ2 large red pepper, diced
- 1โ2 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:
- 1โ3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1โ4 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:
- In a large bowl, combine lentils, chopped peppers, cucumber and olives
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar and garlic powder (add salt and pepper if so desired)
- Drizzle dressing onto salad and gently mix with a spoon or salad tongs
- Add further seasonings as desired such a dried oregano, thyme, etc.
Bon appรฉtit!