Not just another lentil salad….this is Can’t-Stop-Eating-It delish. Made with green lentils, feta, tomatoes, cucumber and drizzled with a beautiful lemon salad dressing. Cooking the lentils in a simple flavoured broth rather than just water or marinating canned lentils in the dressing makes all the difference – you will be amazed!
“OMG! That Lentil Salad!”, my friend exclaimed as we stood shivering in the cold, fully covered head to toe in waterproof gear, throwing toys into the water for our dogs. Prancing out of the way of the spray of ice cold water when they shook right next to us (where else would they do it?), yelling at them if they dared to leap up and touch us.
I realise it’s completely ironic to be talking about a lentil salad when I’m describing a freezing cold winter day at the dog beach, but I think that’s a testament as to how good this salad is – that my friend got so excited about it even though we’re in the height of winter and it should be all about soups and stews.
I really hate blowing my own horn, but truly, I promise, this is not just another lentil salad. And there’s just one little thing I do differently that makes all the difference – cook the lentils in flavoured liquid. 🙂 Nothing fancy here, just adding some vegetable or chicken broth, some fresh or dried herbs, garlic, lemon zest (the juice is used for the dressing) and some floppy celery I found in the fridge.
Try it. You will be amazed. You can eat it plain. Seriously!
I made this recipe with dried lentils which is my preferred way because it soaks up all the flavour while cooking. But I’ve also included directions for how to make canned lentils extra tasty – just warm them up then drizzle with a bit of dressing, leave to soak up the flavour. Works a treat!
I was actually contemplating making this recipe just about how to make the tasty lentils, rather than a salad recipe. But at the last minute, I couldn’t resist all that bright colour and the overall deliciousness of a lentil salad that will wipe away any bad memories you may have of tasteless, soggy lentil salads!
So while I have provided the recipe for this whole salad, I’ve also added notes for other ways to use the flavoured lentils as a side and warm salads.
As for the name? Well, it came about after a lengthy, serious discussion that went something like this (still on that freezing cold winter day at the dog beach):
Me: What should I call it?? Lentil Salad just sounds so meh. Think I can get away with calling it a SEXY Lentil Salad?
My friend: Yes!
And thus the name was born. 😉
Enjoy! – Nagi xx
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Sexy Lentil Salad recipe video!
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Sexy Lentil Salad
Ingredients
Lentils:
- 1 cup / 200g dried green lentils (or other lentils) (Note 1 for canned)
- 1 cup / 200g vegetable or chicken broth (or water + 1 bouillon cube, crumbled)
- 1 1/2 cups / 375 ml water
- 1 large garlic clove , smashed (Note 2)
- Lemon peel (about 1.5 x 5 cm / 3/4 x 2″)
- 1 bay leaf , dry or fresh
- 2 sprigs thyme , or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 rib celery , broken into 3 or 4 pieces (or just a handful of leafy fronds)
Salad:
- 250 g / 8oz cherry tomatoes , halved or quartered (Note 3)
- 2 cucumbers , cut into quarters then diced
- 1 red onion , finely diced
- ¼ cup coriander / cilantro , finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley , finely chopped
- 90 g / 3 oz feta , crumbled (or more!)
- 2 handfuls rocket / arugula lettuce (optional – bed for salad)
Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup / 85 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp sugar, optional
- ½ tsp salt + black pepper
Instructions
- Place Lentil ingredients in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to simmer then turn down to medium low. Cook for 20 minutes for firm (I like this) or 25 minutes for soft. DO NOT overcook and make it mushy!
- Drain in a colander, pick out celery etc. Rinse VERY quickly just to remove any grit coating the lentils (don’t want to rinse away flavour!). Set aside.
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar, shake well.
- Place lentils, tomato, cucumber, onion, coriander, parsley and some of the feta in a large bowl. Pour over most of the Dressing, then toss.
- Place rocket lettuce on a serving platter. Pile salad on top. Drizzle over remaining Dressing and crumble over feta. Serve! (I like serving with pita bread to stuff it in)
Recipe Notes:
a) Warm side with more stuff: Start by sautéing crushed garlic, finely chopped onion, carrot and celery with oil in a saucepan, then add Lentil ingredients per recipe (skip the garlic and celery) and cook. Drain then serve warm as a terrific side.
b) Warm meal: Follow a) then return to pot, stir through handfuls of baby or chopped spinach, top with fried runny yolk egg and burrata/yoghurt (something wet or salty), drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika and squeeze of lemon.
c) Make a warm salad by adding roasted pumpkin or sweet potato.
d) Make a thin omelette and put spoonfuls of this inside with other stuff like feta/cheese/tomatoes, roll up or fold omelette. 6. Nutrition per serving, assuming 4 servings.
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
The amount of water his fur holds is outrageous. PS It was 8C / 45F on the day I took this.
Hi there! Love this recipe, but just wondering if you soaked your dried lentils first before cooking??
Hi Suzie, no need to soak – just cook as per the recipe! Enjoy! N x
Yum yum yum absolutely delicious.
Nothing more to say . 😄
Thanks Sue! ❤️
Made this salad today and it’s amazing, having it with a piece of pan fries fish
Yum! What a great, healthy meal Helen!
This recipe has been the absolute standout favourite salad for my family this (Australian) summer!
I’d saved this recipe some time ago and decided to make it tonight as I’m actively reducing my meat intake. Oh wow! Talk about delicious! I added lots of fresh coriander and parsley and included mint and some sliced red chilli (love the heat!) I served it up with a soft poached egg, some toasted pepitas and sunflower seeds and and bit more chilli and herbs. Delish!!
MADE THIS FOR MY NYE PARTY. BIG HIT BY ALL THANKS!!
Awesome Michael, thats great to hear!
Sexy lentils salad is the best ! Thank you !
YES! I’m so glad you agree Gisela!
I invited 10 lady party they loves your sexy Lentil Salad they asked me your recipe. I send them your recipe 😁👍Thank you !
Hi Nagi. Just checking, if using canned lentils, you only use the dressing for flavour. The other 7 ingredients in the dried lentil ingredients list are not required? Can’t wait to try.
Hi Ann, Yes you can use canned lentils – I talk about this in the recipe notes. I hope you love it! – N x
Once again, great recipe! Your directions were bang on… (I know because I over cooked the lentils as I got side tracked & left it for 30min, will use that for curry or soup!) Re-do with 20 min and perfect !
We’ve all done that Michiyo!
Very Sexy Lentil Salad! Absolutely delicious flavours and healthy. Thank you Nagi!!
I’m so glad you love it Lynda, thanks so much for letting me know!
Hi Nagi. Made this for dinner last night and served with mini pitas. What a hit! The flavours are amazing. Thank you once again.
Awesome, thanks so much for letting me know Desiree!
Made this for my husband and I – we loooovvveed it!
Wahoo, that’s great Christine!!!
Easy and quick coking and healty
Yes totally Rita, I love eating this salad!
Hi Nagi.
Love your recipes!
This hearty lentil salad is sure to please appetites of all ages!!!
I’m so glad you love it as much as I do Anastasia! – N x
Have you cooked your lentils ;for this recipe or any others) in an InstaPot?
I don’t own one Antonia! I may have to invest and get one shipped over!
Hi Nagi. I love your recipes. Do you have a preferred Feta to use with this? Danish or traditional Greek? Cheers
I’ve used Danish here but either would be great Leon!
Love your recipes – so glad I discovered your site. What’s that about food poisoning from raw garlic? never heard of that – (your recipe for lentil salad)
Nagi, thank you so much for this recipe! I’ve made it countless times and got several friends hooked, to the point that they send me pictures when they make it themselves. I never thought I’d obsess over lentils, but here we are! 🙂 x
I’m so glad you love it Phoebe, it’s one of my favourites!
Have made this 4 times and always get great comments from the family. Great next day for lunch. Full of flavour and so easy to make. Thanks Nagi another keeper.
Oh yes it makes a great salad to store in the fridge for a couple of days (if I can stop myself eating it in one sitting) 😂
I love your recipes, thank you for all your hardwork work.
You’re so welcome Linda!