Lentil Mustard Vegetable Salad (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Hearty lentils, fresh veggies, and zesty mustard dressing combine for a flavorful, satisfying dish.
# Ingredients List:
→ Salad
01 -
30 ounces canned lentils, drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked lentils, or 1 cup dried lentils boiled in 4 cups water with 1 teaspoon salt
02 -
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 -
1.5 cups cucumber, diced (about 1 medium)
04 -
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced or diced
05 -
0.33 cup olives, Kalamata or Taggiasche
06 -
3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped, or substitute 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 -
3.5 ounces feta cheese or non-dairy feta, crumbled
→ Dressing
08 -
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
11 -
1 clove garlic, grated
12 -
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
13 -
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
14 -
0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 -
If using canned lentils, drain and rinse thoroughly. For dried lentils, rinse 1 cup dried lentils, add to a pot with 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt, then simmer gently following package instructions or until tender but firm. Drain and let cool slightly.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, cumin if using, salt, and ground black pepper until emulsified.
04 -
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
05 -
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days to enhance flavors. Stir well before serving.
# Extra Information:
01 -
For best results, allow cooked lentils to cool slightly before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting or sogginess.
02 -
This salad improves in flavor after resting in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
03 -
Avoid overcooking lentils; aim for a firm texture to maintain salad integrity.