Sugar-Free Fresh Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Dive into the zesty, nutrient-packed world of the Sugar-Free Fresh Mediterranean Lentil Salad, a wholesome and vibrant dish perfect for health-conscious eaters and flavor enthusiasts alike. This protein-rich recipe features tender green or brown lentils paired with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet red bell peppers, all tossed with the briny goodness of Kalamata olives and the aromatic freshness of parsley and mint. The homemade dressing, a delightful blend of extra virgin olive oil, tangy lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic, ties everything together without the need for added sugar, making it a guilt-free yet indulgent option for your table. Ready in just 40 minutes of total time, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is ideal as a light meal, side dish, or meal-prep staple. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing burst of flavors in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Green or brown lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 1 medium Cucumber, diced
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup Red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse lentils under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove any debris. Place lentils in a medium saucepan, add the water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool to room temperature.

Step 3

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and mint leaves. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss well to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 6

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1812.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1139.6

Total Fat 83.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3265.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.3g
Protein 27.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 404.7mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 2615.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.8%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 29.0%