Step 1: Cook the Lentils

1. Rinse the Lentils:

Start by rinsing the dried lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any debris or dust. Drain well.

2. Cook the Lentils:

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth for added flavor). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender but still firm (not mushy).

3. Drain and Cool:

Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the lentils are cooking, prep the vegetables:

• Cucumber: Dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces.
• Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Finely chop the red onion to add some tang and crunch.
• Olives: Slice the Kalamata olives in half.
• Feta Cheese: If using, crumble the feta cheese.
• Herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while the lentils finish cooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils with the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the chopped parsley and mint for fresh, herby flavor.

2. Add the Dressing:

Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined. The lentils will soak up the dressing, making the salad even more flavorful.

3. Taste and Adjust:

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. If you like a bit more tang, add an extra splash of red wine vinegar.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Mediterranean Lentil Salad is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as a main dish or a side, garnished with extra parsley, mint, or lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, or a slice of crusty bread.