If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, wholesome dish that feels like a celebration of fresh, garden flavors, this Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe is an absolute must-try. Every forkful bursts with the perfect harmony of tender lentils, crisp vegetables, and a bright, zesty dressing, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day. Whether you want a satisfying lunch, a colorful side, or a light dinner, this salad brings together simple ingredients with a fresh herb twist that’s both nutritious and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting a salad that is both flavorful and refreshing. From the hearty lentils to the aromatic fresh herbs, everything works in harmony to build layers of taste and texture.
- Dry Green or Brown Lentils: The star of the dish, providing protein and a satisfying bite.
- Water or Veggie Broth: For cooking the lentils, choosing broth adds extra depth to the flavor.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and bright green color that lightens the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness, they bring juiciness and vibrant red hues.
- Red Onion or Shallot: Gives a mild sharpness that balances the other fresh ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds earthiness and a classic herbal aroma to unify the salad.
- Fresh Mint: Brings a cooling freshness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Dill (optional): A subtle, almost citrusy note that complements the other herbs beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A rich, fruity base for the dressing that ties everything together.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a zesty tang that lifts the salad.
- Dijon Mustard: A small kick of sharpness that rounds out the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Start by rinsing your lentils under cold water. Then, simmer them in water or veggie broth for about 20 to 25 minutes. The goal here is to achieve lentils that are tender but still hold their shape—avoiding mushiness ensures wonderful texture in your salad. Once cooked, drain them well and let them cool down slightly, so they’re ready to mingle with fresh ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Herbs
While the lentils cool, dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop your red onion or shallot along with the parsley, mint, and optional dill. Toss all these vibrant ingredients together in a large bowl. This step is what truly brings the “fresh” in the Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe — the herbs infuse each bite with bright, lively flavors.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing is the magic that ties the entire salad together. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking; a little extra lemon or mustard can really enhance the zing.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the lentils and fresh vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until every bit of the salad is coated evenly. The gentle mixing helps preserve the distinct textures of the ingredients while infusing them with the vibrant dressing flavors.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the herbs and dressing penetrate the lentils fully, elevating the dish from good to truly spectacular. That final pause is one of the secrets behind the deliciousness of this Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe.
How to Serve Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To further brighten this salad, top it with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. A little extra fresh herb, like parsley or mint, grated lemon zest, or a few chili flakes can add an exciting contrast or pop of color, turning a simple dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
This lentil salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or crusty artisan bread. It also works well as a standalone light meal or alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes for a vibrant spread. Try it with warm pita and a dollop of hummus for a truly satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe in mason jars for a picnic or lunch on the go, or on a bed of baby greens for added freshness. For parties, use individual small bowls or even hollowed-out tomatoes as edible serving cups — it’s a fantastic way to impress guests with both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if it seems a bit dry.
Freezing
Because the salad contains fresh veggies and herbs, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and freshness. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored chilled in the fridge as mentioned.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a warm component, gently heat cooked lentils separately and combine with fresh veggies and dressing just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lentils for this salad?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils hold up best because they stay firm after cooking, you can experiment with French lentils or black beluga lentils for a slightly different texture and flavor.
How long does the Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe keep its freshness?
The salad stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly in the fridge. For the best texture, enjoy it within the first two days.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
Yes, feel free to mix and match herbs based on your preference. Cilantro, basil, or chives can all add interesting flavors while keeping the salad vibrant and herbaceous.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a great meal prep option because it stores well and offers balanced nutrition. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat for maximum freshness.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can use a mild mustard or even a teaspoon of honey combined with a bit of vinegar to help balance the dressing flavor nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels fresh, wholesome, and delightfully simple all at the same time. This Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe has become a beloved favorite because it brings together the best of summer’s harvest in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try soon and watch how it transforms everyday meals into something vibrant and memorable.
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Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Lentil Salad with a medley of herbs and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish. This salad combines tender green or brown lentils with crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant parsley, mint, and dill for a flavorful, healthy dish.
Ingredients
Lentils and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion or shallot, finely diced
Herbs
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (optional), chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a pot with 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and allow the lentils to cool slightly.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion or shallot, and the chopped fresh parsley, mint, and dill if using. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Let the flavors meld: Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop and intensify for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute green or brown lentils with French lentils (Puy) if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
- For a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice according to taste.
- This salad can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days; tossing again before serving is recommended.
- Optional fresh dill adds an herby brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
