If there’s one thing I crave when the weather warms up—or honestly, when life just feels a little too heavy—it’s something fresh, herby, and low effort. This couscous lentil Mediterranean salad checks all the boxes for that: full of flavor, easy to make, and holds up beautifully for leftovers throughout the week (which is a total added bonus if you ask me).
The fluffy couscous and tender lentils make it hearty enough for lunch on its own so you won’t feel like you are starving, but it also makes for a perfect side for larger meals, whether thats got grilled veggies, falafel, or something else (like a grilled meat).
What really makes this salad shine is the combo of chopped fresh parsley and dill (a lot of it), plus the little briny pop from banana peppers. Add a lemony olive oil dressing, and boom—this is a new go-to.
I know a healthy meal might feel like a small thing in the scheme of everything happening in the world right now, but I believe food can be grounding and you gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of all of those around you. It can be comforting. It can be a quiet way to care for ourselves and each other. This salad feeds more than just your body. It’s a reminder to take a breath, slow down, and nourish yourself.
Lentil Mediterranean Salad
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup cooked lentils brown or green
- ½ small red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
- ¼ cup banana peppers finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook couscous according to package instructions, fluff with a fork, and let it cool. Do the same for lentils (3:1 ratio water, and salt).
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked couscous and cooked lentils.
- Add the veggies & herbs: Fold in the finely chopped red onion, tomatoes, parsley, dill, and banana peppers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Enjoy immediately or chill for an hour to let the flavors meld together. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Video
@herbyeater Feeling overwhelmed with everything happening in the US right now? You are not alone – I feel it too, and it weighs so heavy on my heart. As a Type 2 enneagram, helping is my love language. I want to use this platform for good, as many times as I can. Here’s a few organized resources I put together, and places that will help you stay informed. First: accounts I think are awesome – @brcremer (pastor), @sharonsaysso, @underthedesknews Immigrant Rights — ACLU’s “Know Your Rights” Resources (found under the Our Work section on the aclu.org website) @aclu_nationwide + local chapter channels — Free legal info from immigrant lawyers: @the_ilrc, @bradbernsteinlaw — Support nonprofit advocacy accounts like @unitedwedream; search specifically “Nonprofit Organizations for Immigrants” to pull up many others depending on where you are located Women’s & Reproductive Rights — Join or follow along with NOW’s campaigns and local advocacy (@nationalnow + local chapters in cities). A lot of amazing resources available at now.org. — Stay informed through accounts like @unwomen, @npwf LGBTQ+ & Trans Rights — Track anti-LGBTQ+ bills via ACLU’s Legislative tracker — Donate to Lambda Legal, Transgender Law Center, Trans Justice Funding Project — Support Mutual Aids: Trans Lifeline, Black Trans Travel Fund — Follow trans friends, allies, and activists and give them a voice like: @mercurystardusttopz, @therosemontoya, @erininthemorn, @dylanmulvaney, or @joshhelfgott 💛 I know not all of you will agree with this. I believe that it’s only my job to love and support, and let the judgement come from the man upstairs- not just on others but on my own life too. Small positive actions ripple out. Share this with someone in your life who might need it, add to it with your own knowledge in the comments, and know that anyone is welcomed and safe at my table. #Solidarity #ImmigrantRights #WomensRights #LGBTQRights #TransRights #ActNow #freedomforall #staysafe
♬ Rescue – Lauren Daigle
Notes
Use jarred banana peppers for convenience, or swap in pickled pepperoncini for a twist!
This salad is great for meal prep — store in an airtight container and grab for quick lunches or sides throughout the week.
Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or cilantro if you have them on hand.