Lentil Beet Salad (Greek Inspired)

This Lentil Beet Salad is a colorful, make-ahead dish packed with protein, bright citrus, and creamy feta—perfect for adding fresh, Mediterranean flavor to your fall or holiday table.

For more healthy salad recipes, check out our chickpea cranberry salad, Greek yogurt cabbage slaw, mediterranean bean salad, and healthy broccoli cauliflower salad.

Creamy lentil beet salad with feta and citrus in a bright Mediterranean bowl.

Beets Never Tasted This Good!

This Greek Inspired Lentil Beet Salad is everything we love about Mediterranean-style eating — colorful, fresh, and naturally nourishing 🥗. It’s protein-rich, fiber-filled, and perfect for anyone who wants balanced, wholesome meals without overthinking it.

What makes it special is the creamy feta dressing that doubles as a marinade. Tossing canned lentils in the dressing first lets them soak up all that tangy flavor — a simple trick that makes them taste so good.

With earthy beets, juicy clementines, and toasted walnuts, this Mediterranean lentil salad is bright, satisfying, and naturally low in saturated fats.

Louise and I love serving this cold lentil salad recipe for holidays or make-ahead lunches — it only gets better as it chills 🌿.

Ingredients

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

Lentils: Canned lentils make this recipe quick and easy. You can also cook your own green or brown lentils for a firmer bite. Swap with chickpeas or white beans for a twist on this Mediterranean diet salad recipe.
Cooked Beets: Vacuum-packed steamed beets are perfect for convenience. You can also roast fresh beets for deeper flavor or use golden beets for a milder, slightly sweeter winter salad with citrus.
Clementines: Their sweetness brightens the earthy lentils. Substitute with oranges, mandarins, or even diced apples or pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty balance. Use cottage cheese for a softer flavor, or try vegan feta for a dairy-free option.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring crunch and healthy fats. Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives, especially if making a make ahead holiday salad.
Parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note. Mint gives a cooler finish, while arugula or basil work for a more peppery, summery twist.
Dressing Base: Olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, and dried oregano create a balanced dressing. Replace apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a sharper, brighter flavor.

Colorful Greek-inspired lentil beet salad topped with feta and parsley.

How to Make Lentil Beet Salad with Feta

1. Make the Creamy Feta Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in the crumbled feta until the dressing looks creamy and slightly chunky — this is what gives the salad its rich, tangy flavor.

Step 1 Whisking olive oil vinegar mustard honey and feta into a creamy Mediterranean dressing.

2. Marinate the Lentils

Add the drained and rinsed lentils to the bowl and toss to coat them well. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients so they can soak up the dressing. This step adds depth and makes your beet and feta salad taste even better.

Step 2 Lentils soaking in feta dressing for a flavorful Greek-inspired salad base.

3. Prep and Combine

Dice the cooked beets, peel and chop the clementines, and roughly chop the toasted walnuts and parsley. Add everything to the bowl with the lentils and toss until the salad is colorful and evenly mixed.

Step 3 Adding beets clementines and walnuts to lentils for a colorful Mediterranean salad.

4. Serve or Store

Enjoy your healthy beet salad with feta right away, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For a festive touch, serve it on a platter and sprinkle with extra feta or a handful of pomegranate seeds before serving.

Step 4 Tossed lentil beet salad with feta and citrus ready to serve on a festive platter.

Tips

Rinse and dry the lentils well: Drain and rinse the lentils to remove extra starch and salt, then shake off or pat dry any excess water — this keeps the dressing flavorful and prevents the salad from turning watery.
Marinate the lentils: This is the secret to flavor! Letting the lentils sit in the feta dressing while you prep the other ingredients turns this into a make ahead holiday salad that tastes incredible.
Use high-quality feta: Go for feta in brine if possible — it’s creamier and tastier, perfect for any Mediterranean diet salad recipe.
Balance the flavors: If your clementines are very sweet, add a splash more vinegar for extra tang.
Toast the nuts: A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out deep, nutty flavor and makes the texture more satisfying.
Add color and crunch: Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or fresh parsley before serving to give this winter salad with citrus extra brightness.
Make it ahead: This salad holds up beautifully for 2–3 days in the fridge — ideal for prepping before a busy holiday meal or weeknight dinner.
Serve at room temperature: Chilled is fine, but letting it sit out for 15 minutes before serving brings out the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! Cook green or brown lentils until just tender, then cool them completely before tossing with the dressing. Canned lentils just save time for a quick beet and feta salad.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes — it’s a perfect make ahead holiday salad. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours as the lentils absorb the feta dressing. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I swap the feta for something else?

You can use cottage cheese for a milder flavor or vegan feta for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature as a main or side dish. For holidays, plate it on a wide platter and sprinkle with extra herbs, pomegranate seeds, or candied pecans for a festive touch.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t recommended — the texture of the beets and lentils changes once thawed.

More Easy Salad Recipes

If you tried this Lentil Beet 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!