Elevate your weeknight meals with this vibrant and hearty dish of Lentils with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta! Perfectly tender green or brown lentils are combined with sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy crumbled feta, and a medley of fresh ingredients like red onion and parsley. A zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, bright lemon juice, and a touch of garlic ties everything together, creating a beautifully balanced flavor in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this nutrient-packed salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it an ideal option for easy lunches, picnics, or as an impressive side dish. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and textures, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Don't forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra feta for a gorgeous finishing touch!
Rinse the lentils under cold water and check for any debris or stones.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces if they are whole. Retain a tablespoon of the oil from the jar for added flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring the lentils are evenly coated.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and fold it in carefully to prevent it from breaking apart too much.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of feta, if desired.
Calories |
1109 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.2 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.6 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 2634 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.3 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.6 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.0 g | ||
| Protein | 44.4 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 931 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3344 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.