Greek Lentil Salad (Dressing Marinade)

This refreshing Greek lentil salad is packed with protein, fiber, and bold Mediterranean flavors, with lentils marinated in a zesty dressing for extra flavor in every bite.

For more high-protein, high-fiber salads, check out our apple chickpea salad, three bean salad, black bean corn salad, and chickpea cucumber salad.

Top down Greek lentil salad on a large platter with colorful vegetables and feta.

A Nourishing Salad That Fuels Your Day

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, this Greek lentil salad will quickly become a favorite. 🥗

What makes it special is that the lentils are marinated in the dressing, soaking up all the zesty olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before you add the crisp vegetables and creamy feta. Louise and I love making this because it’s refreshing, filling, and works any time of the year, not just on warm days.

Close up finished Greek lentil salad with feta olives and fresh vegetables.

The mix of lentils, veggies, and olives makes it a fiber-rich salad recipe that supports heart health while keeping things light and satisfying. 🌿 Plus, it’s versatile enough for quick lunches, picnics, or an easy meal prep salad you can keep in the fridge for busy days. 💚

With just a few simple ingredients, you get a dish that’s colorful, nourishing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.

Note: This recipe isn’t a traditional Greek dish but it uses classic Greek salad ingredients with added lentils for extra protein.

Ingredients

Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Lentils: canned brown or green lentils save time and add protein. Substitute cooked French lentils for more bite or black beans for a twist on this heart healthy lentil salad.
Cherry tomatoes: sweet and juicy; swap with grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor in a Mediterranean lentil salad.
Bell pepper: green or yellow keeps things crisp and colorful; red pepper or roasted peppers add sweetness.
Cucumber: cooling crunch; use Persian cucumbers for extra tenderness or zucchini for a softer bite.
Red onion: sharp and bright; substitute green onions for mildness or shallots for a delicate touch.
Kalamata olives: briny and classic; swap with green olives for less intensity or capers for tang.
Feta cheese: creamy and salty; use goat cheese for a softer flavor or dairy-free feta for a vegan option in your high protein vegetarian salad.

For the Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil: fruity and smooth; substitute avocado oil for richness or sesame oil for a nutty accent.
Red wine vinegar: bold and tangy; apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even balsamic vinegar bring different balances.
Dijon mustard: sharp depth; swap with yellow mustard for milder flavor or whole-grain mustard for texture.
Honey: sweet balance; replace with maple syrup for a vegan option or pomegranate molasses for fruity tartness.
Oregano: earthy and aromatic; substitute Italian seasoning for complexity or thyme for a softer herbal note.

How to Make Greek Lentil Salad

Step 1 – Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 1 Whisking olive oil vinegar mustard honey and oregano to make dressing for Greek lentil salad.

Step 2 – Marinate the Lentils

Add the drained and rinsed lentils, making sure they’re well-drained. Stir to coat them fully in the dressing, then let them sit while you prepare the vegetables. This quick marinade infuses flavor and removes that canned taste.

Step 2 Lentils marinating in dressing with herbs for extra flavor before adding vegetables.

Step 3 – Chop and Add the Vegetables

Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and add everything into the bowl with the marinated lentils. Toss gently until all the veggies and lentils are combined. The vibrant mix makes this a fresh Mediterranean lentil salad.

Step 3 Chopped cucumber tomatoes onion olives and bell pepper mixed with marinated lentils.

Step 4 – Add the Finishing Touches

Crumble in the feta and give the salad a final toss so some of the cheese blends into the dressing. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Serve right away, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4 Greek lentil salad with feta crumbled in served on a large platter.

Tips

Marinate the lentils: Even 10–15 minutes in the dressing makes a big difference. The flavors soak in, and it removes that canned “tin” taste for a fresher bite.
Use firm lentils: Brown or green lentils hold their shape best. Softer varieties can turn mushy and lose the texture that makes this a satisfying lentil and feta salad.
Chop evenly: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes into similar sizes so every forkful has a balanced mix of flavor and crunch.
Let it chill: If time allows, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it a perfect plant based Mediterranean recipe.
Upgrade the dressing: Swap honey for maple syrup, or add lemon zest for extra brightness. Small tweaks keep this a versatile healthy lentil salad recipe you’ll come back to often.
Crumble and toss the feta: Don’t just sprinkle it on top—crumble the feta right into the salad and give everything a gentle toss. Some of the cheese will blend into the dressing, almost melting into the lentils, which adds a creamy, salty richness to every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dry lentils instead of canned?

Yes! Cook brown or green lentils until just tender. Let them cool before marinating so they don’t turn mushy.

How long does the salad keep in the fridge?

It lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container. It’s perfect as an easy meal prep salad for busy weeks.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely—just swap the feta for a dairy-free version or skip it altogether.

What veggies can I substitute?

You can add zucchini, roasted peppers, or even artichoke hearts to make it your own.

Is this salad filling enough for a main meal?

Yes! The lentils provide plenty of protein and fiber, making this a hearty and balanced high protein vegetarian salad. You can add a slice of crusty bread to make it a complete meal.

More Easy Lentil Recipes

For even more lentil recipes, check out our compilation with 30+ lentil recipes.

If you tried this Greek Lentil Salad recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!

Greek Lentil Salad (Dressing Marinade)

A Nourishing Salad That Fuels Your Day