Mediterranean Citrus Lentil Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Citrus Lentil Salad brings together the hearty goodness of French lentils, the refreshing zest of oranges, and the sharpness of red onion. A perfect dish for warm summer days, this salad is not only nutritious but also a delight to the palate. It’s an ideal choice for a light meal or as a side dish at gatherings, combining the earthiness of lentils with the bright flavors of citrus. With a marination time that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, this salad is a staple in Greek cuisine and a wonderful addition to your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
French lentils
1.5 cups (washed & picked over for stones)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Olive oil
8 tablespoons (divided)
Oranges
2 (juice from first, peeled and segmented second)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Red onion
1 medium (peeled & thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the French lentils thoroughly under cold water and picking out any stones.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cover the lentils with about 4 cups of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
4
Once cooked, drain the lentils in a colander, remove the bay leaves, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
5
In a large serving bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice and the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Add the cooled lentils to the bowl and gently toss to combine, ensuring the lentils are well coated in the dressing.
7
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
Just before serving, fold in the thinly sliced red onion and the orange segments. Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing contrast of flavors.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Citrus Lentil Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring French lentils, refreshing oranges, and sharp red onion, ideal for summer.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are French lentils, bay leaves, olive oil, oranges, salt, black pepper, and red onion.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils should simmer for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
How many calories are in this salad?
This Mediterranean Citrus Lentil Salad contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 7.5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate details?
This recipe contains 21.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of French lentils.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 8 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between cooking and dressing.
How many oranges are needed for the recipe?
You will need 2 oranges; one is used for juice and the other is peeled and segmented.
Why do I need bay leaves?
Two bay leaves are added to the lentil cooking water to infuse them with flavor.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the French lentils thoroughly under cold water and remove any stones.
How much water is used for boiling lentils?
You should cover the lentils with about 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
Should I serve this salad warm?
No, this salad is intended to be served chilled after marinating.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
It should be placed in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
When should I add the red onion and orange segments?
Fold in the thinly sliced red onion and orange segments just before serving.
What type of onion is used in this salad?
The recipe uses one medium red onion.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What do I do with the first orange?
The first orange should be juiced to be used as a base for the salad dressing.
What is the preparation for the lentils?
Lentils should be washed and picked over for stones before cooking.
How many ingredients are in the salad?
There are 7 primary ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for most home cooks.
What cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The salad is best served chilled.
Does this salad contain fiber?
While not specifically measured in the data, lentils are naturally high in dietary fiber.
What should I do after the lentils are cooked?
Drain them in a colander, remove the bay leaves, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together fresh orange juice, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, its refreshing citrus flavors and chilled serving temperature make it a perfect summer dish.
What seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe requires 2 whole bay leaves.