Warm Lentil Salad with Marinated Feta (2024)

Warm Lentil Salad with sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and herb-marinated feta. Filled with nutritious, flavorful ingredients, enjoy this warm lentil salad with feta as an entree or side dish.

This recipe post is proudly sponsored by DeLallo, however all opinions are my own.

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Why You'll Love this Warm Lentil Salad with Feta:

My love for lentils runs deep. This affordablepantry stapleis a mainstay in my diet year-round, and I love adding them to soups and salads to boost protein and fiber.

Just like my Mediterranean Lentil Salad, this recipe is hearty and filling, yet still feels light and fresh.

Lentils are simmered in a flavorful broth before being tossed with kale and sun-dried tomatoes. I love to top it with a lemony, herb-y feta mixture for a bright, briny finish.

In addition to being flavorful and nourishing, this lentil salad is also:

• A great meal prep contender.
• A delicious way to incorporate more meatless meals.
• Budget-friendly and super versatile.

If you need more lentil recipe inspiration, check out these hearty Stewed Lentils or my favorite Pumpkin Red Lentil Soup.

Recipe Ingredients

• Lentils: Lentils arefiber and proteinpowerhouses. They are an excellent swap for meat in vegetarian and vegan cooking, because they make dishes extra hearty and satisfying. Plus, they’rebudget friendly, and keep for a while.
• DeLallo Julienne Cut Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bright, tangy tomatoes are packed in a marinade of Italian extra-virgin olive oil, herbs, and spices. The julienne cut make them super convenient for tossing in salads, pasta, and omelettes, or for topping pizzas and crostini appetizers.
• DeLallo Private Reserve Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This superior olive oil is crafted from hand-selected olives specially sourced from small, family-owned orchards in Italy. Its balanced, bright flavor is best enjoyed raw, which is why it makes an exceptionally delicious dressing.
• Shallots: You need1 mediumshallot, which you can swap for yellow or sweet onion.
• Garlic: The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, however feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover.
• Coriander: This ground spice has a slight citrusy flavor with a hint of earthiness. Alternatively, you can use fennel seeds.
• Feta: You need 4 ounces of feta, which you can crumble or break into chunks.
• Lemon: You need the zest and juice of1 lemon, which adds bright top notes. If you're not using lemon, the lentils will still greatly benefit from some form of acid. A drizzle ofsherry vinegar, for example, is a great alternative.
• Herbs: I prefer using a combination ofdill and parsley, however cilantro also works great here.
• Kale: You can use lacinato or green curly kale here. Just be sure to chop it small enough so it wilts into the warm lentils.
• DeLallo Modena Balsamic Glaze: This velvety rich condiment boasts a sweetly complex flavor that complements the savory nature of this salad beautifully.

For a complete list of ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

Substitutions/Additions:

• Add Dates: If you enjoy little pops of sweetness in your salads, add 2-3 chopped fresh dates.
• Drizzle with Tahini: For extra creaminess, drizzle the salad with 2 Tablespoons of well-stirred tahini.
• Add Roasted Veggies: This salad can easily be elevated with the addition of roasted eggplant, zucchini, and/or fennel.
• Garnish with Nuts or Seeds: For a little crunch, garnish the salad with pistachios or pepitas.
• Add Bacon: For extra richness, add pieces of crispy bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté aromatics in olive oil until fragrant. Next, mix in lentils, water, and salt; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and gently simmer until the lentils are tender.

Step 2: Prepare marinated feta by combining feta, lemon zest and juice, herbs, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add kale and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot of lentils. Stir until the kale wilts.

Step 4: Assemble salad by transferring lentil mixture to a serving platter or bowl. Scatter feta mixture overtop, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Recipe FAQs

More Delicious Lentil Recipes to Try:

If you give this warm lentil salad with feta a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag#dishingouthealthon Instagram so I can see your creations. Also, follow along onFacebookandPinterestfor the latest recipe updates!