Zesty Lentil Salad

This refreshing salad combines hearty lentils with a burst of citrusy flavors, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish. It’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrients that will keep you energized all day.

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TIME55 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.5 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

4 cups water salt 1 ¼ cups dry lentils 2 large cloves garlic, minced 2 large roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped ½ cup chopped red onion ½ cup chopped green bell pepper 1 small green chile pepper, seeded and chopped 1 lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 small carrot, shredded ½ cup oil-cured black olives ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro salt and ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 hard-cooked eggs, cut in half lengthwise

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the lentils while giving them a good stir. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the lentils simmer gently until they’re tender but still hold their shape—this usually takes about 30 minutes. When they’re done, drain them well.

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Step 2

Next, transfer the lentils to a big bowl. Toss in the garlic, seeded tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and chile pepper. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add a teaspoon of its zest for a nice zing. Then, stir in the shredded carrot, olives, and fresh cilantro.

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Step 3

Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle some olive oil over the top. Give it all a good mix to combine the flavors. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let everything meld together.

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Step 4

Before you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir. Taste it and add a little more lemon juice or olive oil if you think it needs it. Finally, transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with sliced eggs for a nice finishing touch.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse lentils well before cooking to remove any debris.
- Cook lentils until tender but not mushy to keep texture in the salad.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Why you’ll love it

This salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it both healthy and satisfying. The zesty dressing adds a bright, refreshing flavor that lifts the earthy lentils. It’s a perfect dish for any season and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.

Serving ideas

Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or fresh pita bread. You can also add crumbled feta or chopped herbs for extra flavor.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may absorb more dressing over time, so give it a quick stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the lentils and vegetables may change.