Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Roasted Baby Beets and Feta
This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad combines the earthy flavor of French lentils with the sweetness of roasted baby beets and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. Packed with proteins and fresh herbs, this healthy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, providing lasting energy to get you through the day. With a simple lemon-mustard dressing that brightens every bite, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
French lentils
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
water
3 cups (for cooking lentils)
bay leaf
1 (for cooking lentils)
baby beets
450 g (drained and cut in half)
red onion
1/2 cup (finely sliced)
Italian parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
coriander leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
grainy mustard
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, rinsed lentils, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and discard the bay leaf.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grainy mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the sliced red onion, halved baby beets, chopped parsley, and coriander leaves.
5
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and finish by topping it with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Roasted Baby Beets and Feta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of French lentils.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The lentils should simmer for about 25 minutes until tender.
What is the water-to-lentil ratio for cooking?
Use 3 cups of water for 1 cup of French lentils.
Should the lentils be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the lentils should be rinsed and drained before boiling.
What aromatic is added to the lentil cooking water?
One bay leaf is added to the saucepan with the lentils and water.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
The bay leaf should be discarded after the lentils are drained.
What ingredients are used in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, lemon juice, grainy mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What kind of mustard is recommended for the dressing?
Grainy mustard is recommended for this recipe.
How many baby beets are needed?
The recipe calls for 450 grams of baby beets.
How should the baby beets be prepared?
The baby beets should be drained and cut in half.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be finely sliced.
Which fresh herbs are included in the salad?
The salad includes Italian parsley and coriander leaves.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
When should the feta cheese be added?
The feta cheese should be added at the end as a topping before serving.
Is the garlic cooked or raw?
The garlic is used raw and minced within the dressing.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, it can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a cold salad.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is earthy from lentils, sweet from beets, and tangy from feta and lemon.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being great for a light lunch or a satisfying snack that provides lasting energy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, healthy recipe, lentils, beets, mediterranean, lunch, snacks, vegetarian, and feta.
How should the lentils be cooked?
Simmer them uncovered over low heat after bringing to a boil.
How are the ingredients combined?
Combine cooked lentils, onions, beets, and herbs in a bowl, then toss with the dressing.
What is the prep for the herbs?
Both the Italian parsley and the coriander leaves should be chopped.
Is there any sugar added to the dressing?
No, the dressing does not contain any added sugar.
What type of saucepan is needed?
A medium saucepan is required for cooking the lentils.