Lentil Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers & Lemon Vinaigrette

Oh, sweet friends, sometimes the most delightful creations emerge from the simplest ingredients, don’t they? This vibrant Lentil Salad with Tomatoes is a testament to that very magic, transforming humble lentils and sun-kissed tomatoes into a dish that’s bursting with freshness and flavor. It’s hearty yet light, a true symphony of textures and tastes that brightens any table and warms the heart.

I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always saying that a truly memorable meal was made with love, not just fancy ingredients. She’d often whip up simple, wholesome dishes, and though she was famous for her apple pies, she also knew the secret to a good, comforting salad. This particular lentil salad reminds me of those cherished afternoons, sharing simple, honest food and laughter around her sunlit kitchen table.

This Lentil Salad with Tomatoes isn’t just easy to prepare; it’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a beautiful addition to a summer potluck. My top tip? Always taste as you go! Adjusting the seasonings is key to making any dish truly your own.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful dish calls for wholesome ingredients like hearty lentils, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. I always believe in using fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor, just like my grandmother taught me. You’ll find this Lentil Salad with Tomatoes shines when made with love. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements awaits you in the recipe card below.

How to Make Lentil Salad with Tomatoes

Whipping up this vibrant Lentil Salad with Tomatoes is a straightforward affair that yields incredibly satisfying results. You’ll begin by cooking your lentils until they’re tender yet still have a bit of bite. While they’re simmering, roast those sweet cherry tomatoes to deepen their flavor, then prepare a bright, zesty lemon vinaigrette. Finally, toss everything together with crisp cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs for a truly delightful meal.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Roasted Tomatoes

This vibrant and healthy lentil salad features earthy green lentils, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a zesty herb dressing, making it a perfect light meal or a hearty side dish.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Lentil Base

• 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils rinsed
• 3 cups Water or Vegetable Broth
• 1/2 tsp Salt

For the Roasted Tomatoes

• 1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes halved
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh Mint chopped (optional, but recommended)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

For Assembly

• 1/2 Red Onion finely diced
• 1/2 English Cucumber diced
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper diced (optional)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Baking Sheet
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

Cook the Lentils

1. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, 3 cups of water or vegetable broth, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
2. Drain any excess liquid from the cooked lentils and set them aside to cool slightly.

Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On the prepared baking sheet, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread them in a single layer.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly softened and beginning to burst. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint (if using), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked lentils, roasted tomatoes, diced red onion, diced English cucumber, and diced red bell pepper (if using).
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the lentil mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight. For extra protein, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Pro Tips for Making This Lentil Salad with Tomatoes

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  Perfectly Cooked Lentils: The secret to a great Lentil Salad with Tomatoes is perfectly cooked lentils. You want them tender, but not mushy. I always recommend rinsing them thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and cooking them just until they are al dente. Overcooked lentils can turn your salad into a less appealing texture.

  
  
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  Roasting for Flavor: Don’t skip roasting the cherry tomatoes! This step truly elevates the flavor profile of the entire dish, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a wonderful depth that complements the earthy lentils beautifully. It adds a warmth I adore.

  
  
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  Resting for Blended Flavors: Once you’ve assembled your vibrant Lentil Salad with Tomatoes, try to let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious experience. It’s like letting a good friendship deepen over time!

  
  
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  My Secret Trick: I always make a little extra of the lemon vinaigrette and keep it separate. If I’m serving the Lentil Salad with Tomatoes the next day, a fresh drizzle of dressing perks it right back up, ensuring every bite is as zesty as the first.

  
  

Fun Variations for Lentil Salad with Tomatoes

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this Lentil Salad with Tomatoes is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be shy about experimenting and adding your personal touch.

• Mediterranean Twist: For an extra burst of Mediterranean sunshine, try adding crumbled feta cheese or some Kalamata olives. My sister always asks me to include a sprinkle of goat cheese; she says it adds a creamy tang that she absolutely adores.
• Seasonal Greens: While this lentil salad is fantastic on its own, you can transform it into an even heartier meal by serving it over a bed of fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. The peppery notes of arugula are particularly lovely with this.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or even some finely diced jalapeño can add a wonderful kick to your Lentil Salad with Tomatoes. My friend, always adventurous, loves a hint of smoked paprika for an earthy warmth.
• Protein Boost: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or even some chickpeas for an extra plant-based protein punch.

What to Serve With Lentil Salad with Tomatoes

This versatile Lentil Salad with Tomatoes truly shines as a centerpiece, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments to create a complete and satisfying meal. I love serving it alongside some warm, crusty pita bread or a slice of focaccia to soak up all that delicious dressing. It’s just so comforting!

For a light lunch, a simple side of grilled halloumi or a dollop of creamy hummus makes for a delightful addition. If I’m hosting, I might offer a platter of mixed roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, which complement the Mediterranean flavors of the Lentil Salad with Tomatoes perfectly. Sometimes, all it needs is a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge for a refreshing touch.

Preserving Your Delicious Creation

Ensuring your leftovers taste just as wonderful as they did fresh is a true home baker’s art, and this applies to savory dishes too! To keep your delightful Lentil Salad with Tomatoes fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully delicious for 3-4 days.

While you could technically freeze the cooked lentils separately, I don’t recommend freezing the assembled Lentil Salad with Tomatoes, as the fresh vegetables and herbs tend to lose their crisp texture when thawed. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for the best flavor. My personal tip? A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint right before serving brings back that vibrant, fresh taste, making your Lentil Salad with Tomatoes feel newly made!

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty salad offers a wonderful blend of nutrition and flavor. Packed with fiber from the lentils, the Lentil Salad with Tomatoes aids digestion and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. The fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different type of lentil for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils hold their shape best in this Lentil Salad with Tomatoes, you can experiment with black beluga lentils. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they can vary slightly.

Faq 2

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare the lemon vinaigrette a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, and give it a good shake before tossing it with the Lentil Salad with Tomatoes.

Faq 3

Is this lentil salad suitable for meal prepping?
It’s perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare and assemble the Lentil Salad with Tomatoes ahead of time. The flavors deepen beautifully as it sits, making it a fantastic grab-and-go option for lunches throughout the week.

Faq 4

What if I don’t have fresh mint or parsley?
While fresh herbs truly elevate this Lentil Salad with Tomatoes, if you’re in a pinch, you can use a smaller amount of dried oregano, or even fresh dill. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated.

Conclusion

I hope this Lentil Salad with Tomatoes inspires you to embrace the joy of creating something truly delicious and wholesome in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that beautifully balances ease with incredible flavor, proving that a little love and patience can turn simple ingredients into a magical treat. So go on, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some sweet, savory memories together! Happy cooking, my dear friends!