Vegan Fresh Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Brighten up your plate with this Vegan Fresh Mediterranean Lentil Salad, a wholesome combination of vibrant vegetables, protein-packed green lentils, and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly tender lentils are paired with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell pepper, and briny black olives, all tossed in a refreshing garlic-lemon olive oil dressing. Fresh parsley and mint infuse each bite with aromatic herbaceous notes, making this dish light yet satisfying. Ready in under 45 minutes, this plant-based salad is not only quick and easy but also nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and ideal for make-ahead meals. Enjoy it as a standalone lunch, a side dish for summer gatherings, or a healthy addition to your weekly meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 large cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 red onion
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow)
• 0.5 cup black olives
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the green lentils under cold water, place them in a saucepan with 3 cups of water, and bring to a boil.

Step 2

Lower the heat and let the lentils simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and cool completely.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and dice the bell pepper. Place all chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Slice the black olives into rounds and add them to the vegetable mixture.

Step 5

Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint, then add them to the bowl with the vegetables.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined to make the dressing.

Step 7

Once the lentils are cooled, add them to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the lentils and vegetables, tossing well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 9

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 10

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley or mint if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1813.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	837.5

Total Fat 51.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1733.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.2g	0%
Total Sugars 23.1g
Protein 25.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 290.0mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 2201.3mg	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: 52.0%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 36.7%