Feta-Cranberry Lentil Salad Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain well.
• STEP 2.In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the lentils. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
• STEP 3.While the lentils are cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• STEP 4.Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat the lentils evenly.
• STEP 5.Add the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, and sliced almonds to the lentils. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
• STEP 6.Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
• STEP 7.Serve the Feta-Cranberry Lentil Salad warm or chilled. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
• To add extra flavor, you can cook the lentils in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or chopped fresh herbs.
• For a vegan version, you can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing mixture.

Storage and Serving

• This salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
• If serving the salad chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Before serving leftovers, you may want to refresh the salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to revive the flavors.