Mediterranean Lentil Salad Bowl with Creamy Dill Dressing
Are you looking for a salad that's both satisfying and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Mediterranean lentil salad bowl is not only packed with nutrients but it's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for meal prepping.
The Base: Hearty Lentils and Fresh Veggies
We start with a foundation of protein-rich lentils. Black lentils are my favorite, for their color and flavor, but brown or green work just as well. Combine these with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a touch of tangy pepperoncini and salty Kalamata olives for that classic Mediterranean feel.
The Star: Creamy Dill Yogurt Dressing
The real magic happens with the homemade dill yogurt dressing. It's creamy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. It comes together in minutes with Greek yogurt, olive oil, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, and of course, lots of fresh or freeze-dried dill.
Optional Protein Boost
If you're looking to add a bit more protein to your bowl, some high-quality tuna is a fantastic option. It complements the other flavors beautifully. However, if tuna isn't your thing, feel free to skip it or sub in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Make it Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red onion for extra flavor and texture. Get creative and make it your own! This salad is incredibly easy to adapt to what you have available in your fridge.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Mediterranean lentil salad is a lifesaver for busy week. Simply prepare the lentils, chop the veggies, and whisk together the dressing. Store everything separately in meal prep containers. When you are ready to eat, just assemble your bowl and enjoy.
Ready to Get Cooking?
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked lentils, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2- 3 oz cans tuna, drained (optional)
- Pepperoncini or Kalamata olives (optional)
For the Dill Yogurt Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 generous pinch fresh or freeze-dried dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Cook the lentils according to the instructions. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare your vegetables.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- In your serving bowls or meal prep containers, layer the cooked lentils, vegetables, and tuna (if using).
- Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the dill yogurt dressing.
- Enjoy immediately, or store in the refrigerator for later.
Tips and Variations
- For a vegan option, ensure you skip the tuna and you can substitute the greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like cashew or soy based yogurt.
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra tanginess.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for another level of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley.
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is truly something that you’ll want to make again and again. It's healthy, flavorful, and easily customizable. Enjoy!