# Zesty Lentil Salad with Feta & Lemon Vinaigrette
This Zesty Lentil Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or a hearty side. Earthy lentils are tossed with crisp vegetables, salty feta cheese, and a boatload of fresh herbs, all brought together with a bright and tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s packed with protein and fiber, holds up well in the fridge, and is a perfect example of how delicious healthy eating can be.
### Table of Contents
* Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Ingredients You’ll Need
* Step-by-Step Instructions
* Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Salad
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad tastes even better the next day.
* Healthy and Hearty: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables.
* Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, feta, and a zesty dressing is irresistible.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 3 cups water or vegetable broth
* 1 English cucumber, diced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 red onion, finely diced
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool for at least 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: While the lentils cook, whisk all the vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) together in a small bowl.
3. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
4. Toss and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. You can serve it immediately, or let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
### Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Salad
* Don’t Overcook the Lentils: You want them to be tender but not mushy. Start checking them at the 15-minute mark.
* Rinse Your Onions: To mellow the sharp bite of the red onion, you can rinse the diced pieces under cold water for a few seconds before adding them to the salad.
* Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and mint are essential for the bright, vibrant flavor of this salad.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* What kind of lentils are best? Brown or green lentils are ideal because they hold their shape well after cooking. Red lentils will become too soft.
* How long will this salad keep? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a fantastic meal prep lunch!