Fresh, flavorful, and with just the right amount of kick.
This Spicy Lentil Salad with Feta and Green Dressing is all about balance. This recipe combines hearty lentils, cool creamy feta, and a vibrant green dressing that packs a little heat from fresh jalapeño.
lIt’s a salad that feels just as good as it tastes: bold, nourishing, and full of flavor. Perfect for lunch, as a zesty side, or topped with your favorite protein for a satisfying meal.
A big thank you to @mhinmon for sharing this recipe, it’s been on repeat in our test kitchen all month long!
Spicy Lentil Salad with Feta and Green Dressing
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried lentils, green or black
- ½ English cucumber, seeded and diced, or more to taste
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced or more to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta, divided, or more to taste
Dressing
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper chopped (leave the seeds in if you like it spicy
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Garnish
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil with the salt. Add the lentils and cook for 20 minutes, or until tender. Do not overcook them, or let them get mushy.
- Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to drain and rest at room temperature.
Make the dressing:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or small food processor until very smooth. Let the dressing rest in the blender, then give it one final blend just before pouring it over the salad.
Assembly:
- In a large serving bowl, place the cooled lentils on the bottom, top with the cucumber, red onion, and half of the crumbled feta.
- Blend the dressing one more time to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated, and then pour about half of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine. Determine if you need more dressing and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Top the salad with the remaining feta cheese and chopped cilantro, and serve.
If you like this recipe, you’ll love our Hearty and Savory Lentil Soup!
Enjoy!
Making this recipe? Be sure and share it with us on the WOT Instagram or on Facebook!
All images by Lorianne DeVita
