Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean Lentil Salad with a blend of feta, walnuts, and celery. A tasty and wholesome dish for any mealtime.

A Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a delightful mix of nutty lentils, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and fresh celery. The flavors come together perfectly, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish bursting with texture and taste. It nourishes your body and delights your taste buds with every bite.

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Each forkful offers a symphony of flavors, from the tangy feta cheese to the earthy walnuts and the crispness of the celery. The lentils provide a hearty base that soaks up the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dressing, tying all the elements together. This salad is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with every mouthful. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (for cooking the lentils)
Servings Yield: 4 servings

This should give you an estimate of the time required to prepare and cook Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Celery, which serves 4 people. Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious salad!

INGREDIENTS

Here's a list of ingredients for a Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta, Walnut, and Celery serving 4 people:

1 cup lentils
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup walnuts, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

This mix of ingredients brings layers of flavors and textures that characterize a Mediterranean-style salad. Enjoy creating this nutritious dish!

NOTE: Using 1 cup of lentils for a salad serving 4 people should be sufficient as part of a mixed salad with other ingredients. Lentils expand when cooked, so they can add volume to the dish. However, if you prefer a heartier salad or want to increase the lentil portion per serving, you can adjust the lentil amount accordingly. Increasing to 1.5 or 2 cups of lentils for 4 servings can make the salad more substantial and protein-rich. Feel free to adapt the lentil quantity based on your preference for a higher protein content or a heartier salad dish.

DIRECTIONS

Here are step-by-step instructions for making Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta, Walnut, and Celery:

Prepare the Lentils:
- Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water.
- In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add the rinsed lentils.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender but still firm.
- Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup chopped walnuts, 2-3 diced celery stalks, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, and ¼ cup finely chopped red onion.
Add Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta, Walnut, and Celery as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired.
Enjoy:
- Indulge in the delightful flavors and textures of this Mediterranean-inspired salad. Each bite offers a blend of nuttiness, freshness, and tanginess that is both satisfying and delicious.