When the sun shines and the air is filled with tantalizing aromas, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing bowl of Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce to brighten your day. Imagine crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tender lentils mingling with a zesty dill sauce that dances on your taste buds like a Greek folk dancer at a summer festival. whipped ricotta roasted carrots zesty roasted Greek potatoes This salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to a sun-drenched taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes this Lentil Greek Salad unique?
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What can I substitute if I’m out of dill?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this salad for a family picnic. My cousin, who typically turns her nose up at anything green, took one bite and declared it “life-changing.” Suddenly, everyone was asking for the recipe while I basked in my culinary glory. tortellini pasta salad Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just those days when you want something fresh and satisfying, this Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce will have you dreaming of Mediterranean escapes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
- With its vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is sure to impress guests
- It’s packed with nutrients and can be served as a hearty main or delightful side
- The versatility allows for easy customization based on your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients
Sharing this dish with friends led to laughter and compliments; they couldn’t believe how delicious healthy food could be!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Lentils: Opt for firm lentils that hold their shape well during cooking; avoid mushy ones. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
- Cucumber: Choose fresh cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers are great since they have fewer seeds.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add bursts of flavor; try mixing colors for visual appeal.
- Red Onion: A finely chopped red onion adds a sharp bite; soak it in water to mellow its flavor if desired.
- Fresh Dill: Use fresh dill for that authentic Greek taste; it’s aromatic and brings everything together beautifully.
For the Dressing:
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the flavors; don’t skimp on this liquid gold.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; bottled lemon juice doesn’t hold a candle to it. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors; adjust according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Lentils: Rinse 1 cup of green lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine them with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Prep Your Veggies: While lentils are cooking, chop 1 large cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and finely dice half of a red onion. The colorful veggies will brighten your dish!
Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from one lemon, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste-test it—if it doesn’t make you smile, add more salt!
Toss It All Together: Once lentils are cooked and cooled slightly (don’t burn your tongue!), combine them in a large mixing bowl with chopped veggies. Drizzle dressing over everything generously.
Add Fresh Dill & Serve: Finally, fold in about ¼ cup of freshly chopped dill—it’s like adding sunshine! Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for an hour for flavors to meld perfectly.
Enjoy your vibrant Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce as an exciting side or satisfying main course that’s both healthy and delicious! delicious Greek dessert.
You Must Know
- This Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce is not just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion
- Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s filling yet refreshing, and perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the lentils until tender while chopping your veggies. This way, everything is ready simultaneously for a delightful mix of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preference or seasonality. Adding crumbled feta or olives can give your salad an extra Greek flair!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully, so no need to worry about reheating!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce, try soaking lentils overnight for quicker cooking
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and don’t skip the dressing—it’s what ties everything together!
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop
Sharing this delightful dish with friends during a summer cookout brought smiles all around. Everyone raved about how refreshing it was—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
What makes this Lentil Greek Salad unique?
The combination of lentils and fresh veggies creates a nutritious yet delicious meal.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What can I substitute if I’m out of dill?
Try using parsley or cilantro as a fresh alternative in your dressing.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Lentil Greek Salad with Dill Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Brighten your day with this refreshing Lentil Greek Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender lentils, all drizzled with a zesty dill sauce. This vibrant dish is perfect for picnics, summer barbecues, or a light meal at home. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s a delightful combination of flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine them with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- While the lentils cook, chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Once lentils are cooked and cooled slightly, combine them in a large bowl with chopped veggies. Drizzle dressing over everything generously.
- Fold in freshly chopped dill. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg