🥗 Mediterranean Lentil Orzo Salad — Full Recipe

⭐ Ingredients (4–5 servings)

For the Salad

• 1 cup cooked orzo (or ½ cup dry)

• 1½ cups cooked lentils (brown or green)

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

• ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but traditional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt & pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1 — Cook the Orzo

1. Boil water with a pinch of salt.

2. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 min).

3. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.

4. Let it cool completely.

Step 2 — Prepare the Lentils

If using canned lentils:

• Rinse and drain well.

If cooking from dry:

1. Rinse ¾ cup dry lentils.

2. Simmer in water for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy.

3. Drain and cool.

Step 3 — Chop the Vegetables

• Dice cucumber and bell pepper.

• Chop onion and parsley.

• Slice olives and halve cherry tomatoes.

Step 4 — Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing

Whisk together:

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Dijon mustard

• Garlic

• Oregano

• Salt & pepper

Taste and adjust acidity or salt.

Step 5 — Assemble

In a large bowl combine:

• Orzo

• Lentils

• Tomato

• Cucumber

• Onion

• Bell pepper

• Olives

• Parsley

Pour the dressing over and toss gently.
Add feta last so it stays chunky.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Great as a full lunch, potluck dish, or side with grilled chicken, fish, or falafel.

❤️ Why This Recipe Is Healthy

• High in protein (lentils + orzo)

• Rich in fiber

• Loaded with vitamins & antioxidants

• Uses healthy fats from olive oil

• Mediterranean diet–friendly