This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is great for a clean “hearty” on-the-go lunch or light meal.
If I had to chose one style of eating that would best support my lifestyle, values, health and wellbeing, that would be the Mediterranean lifestyle in a heartbeat!
I love everything about their way of life. How they live life to the fullest. How they strike a balance between working hard, playing hard, and eating well. These are their values and they don’t compromise them.
Meals times for them, brings people closer together. They enjoy real foods grown locally and filled with an abundance of flavours too. From freshly picked olives to wild fish, high in healthy fats, legumes, ancient whole grains, goat cheese, fermented breads and tons of fresh veggies and fruit. The one who prepares the food does so with their soul poured into it—love is always the secret ingredient!
And having a deeper connection with where their food comes from, how it was made, and eating it mindfully just invites even deeper conversations with those that sit around their table.
Not to mention complementing the palate with a nice bottle of local wine shared by all.
Everything is in moderation except for the love of life—which as I mentioned earlier, is done to the fullest.
And I feel strongly that when it comes to being happy, strong and healthy, one needs to eat, live and love well. I would also add having a great support system, first with yourself and the creator of this miraculous life, and than from others in your circle.
Ahhhh…doesn’t that sound perfect?
Speaking of perfect…this Mediterranean Lentil Salad is pretty darn close when it comes to throwing together a quick and easy salad.
Lentils Nutrition Spotlight
Lentils are a good source of protein, calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and soluble fibre. And the easiest to digest of the legumes.
Make it a Main Meal
Just add a little grilled chicken.
Enjoy this Mediterranean Lentil Salad all year long!
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup Lentils green, cooked
- ½ cup Celery finely chopped
- ½ cup Red onion thinly sliced or finely chopped
- ½ cup Cucumber finely chopped
- 1 Roasted red pepper peeled (optional) and finely diced
- ½ cup Cherry tomatoes chopped in half
- 8 Olives pitted, your choice
Dressing
- ½ cup Fresh Basil fresh, chopped
- 2 Garlic whole small cloves
- ½ Lemon freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar more if needed
- 2 tbsp Olive oil cold pressed, extra virgin
- Herbamare dash of, optional – found in health section
Topper
- 2 tbsp Goat cheese crumbled, may substitute for lactose free
Instructions
- Toss lentils, celery, onion, cucumber, pepper, tomatoes and olives in a salad bowl.
- Combine basil, garlic, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and oil and blend well.
- Add the dressing to the salad and mix well, making sure to cover all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cheese and serve.
- Option to serve on a bed of mixed greens of your choice. Or lightly toss greens with salad and dressing before sprinkling the cheese over top.