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Lentil couscous Mediterranean salad with fresh parsley and dill

Lentil Mediterranean Salad

Miranda | The Herby Eater
This couscous lentil salad is fresh, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes. Fluffy couscous and tender lentils create a hearty base, while juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, and a bounty of parsley and dill add a burst of flavor. Chopped banana peppers bring a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. It’s an easy, wholesome dish for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight side — plus, it’s completely vegetarian / vegan and naturally dairy-free!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

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

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— Track anti-LGBTQ+ bills via ACLU’s Legislative tracker
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Notes

For extra flavor, try adding crumbled feta or cheese, kalamata olives or chickpeas if you’d like it even heartier (just skip cheese to keep it dairy-free).
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.
Keyword Dairy-Free, Lunch, Plant Based, Salad, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian