Vegetarian Moroccan Lentil Salad

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byJanice Smith, B.Sc. Kinesiology updated on:

This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

Moroccan Lentil Salad 25 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
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Buckle up, flavor enthusiasts! Your taste buds are in for a thrilling ride with this Moroccan Lentil Salad.

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Moroccan Lentil Salad Recipe - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

A vegetarian Moroccan Lentil Salad made with green or brown lentils, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs. The dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika. Optional crumbled feta or goat cheese can be added as a garnish.

This salad is gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and can be prepared ahead of time as the flavors develop with refrigeration. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container, and you can accommodate vegan preferences by omitting the cheese.

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What makes this Moroccan Lentil Salad a healthy dinner?

Let’s start with the superhero ingredient: lentils! These little powerhouses are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They’ll keep you full and satisfied without weighing you down. Plus, this salad boasts a parade of veggies like red bell pepper, cucumber, and fresh herbs, adding a burst of vitamins and antioxidants.

Why you’ll love this salad

Aside from its nutritional prowess, this Moroccan Lentil Salad is a taste sensation. The combination of zesty lemon juice, aromatic cumin, and a hint of paprika creates a dance of flavors that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the bustling markets of Marrakech. It’s a culinary journey without leaving your kitchen!

RELATED: Fall Salad with Butternut Squash and Lentils – This is fully loaded for a meal-style salad that also makes a delicious side dish for everything from Thanksgiving to weeknight dinners. This salad is also both gluten-free and vegetarian.

Moroccan Lentil Salad 23 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

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Ingredients you’ll need

Moroccan Lentil Salad 1 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

For the Moroccan Lentil salad

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Moroccan Lentil Salad Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for garnish

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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Salad making essentials

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How to make this Middle Eastern Lentil salad

Moroccan Lentil Salad 1 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 3 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 5 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 7 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 9 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 11 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
Moroccan Lentil Salad 16 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
  1. Boil lentils in water or vegetable broth until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix cooked lentils, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    Pour over the lentil mixture and toss until well coated.

  4. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
  5. Optional: Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, either solo or as a delightful side.

Make this Middle Eastern Lentil Salad, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.  

Moroccan Lentil Salad 25 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

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TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.

Can I make lentil salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors mingle and intensify over time, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

Any suitable substitutes for ingredients?

Feel free to swap green for brown lentils and get creative with your choice of cheese or skip it altogether for a vegan option.

How do I store leftover Lentil salad?

Got leftovers? Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. This salad is like a fine wine—it gets better with time.

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Moroccan Lentil Salad 25 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

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Moroccan Lentil Salad Recipe 1 - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.
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Moroccan Lentil Salad Recipe

9e6272d16533b616004d97f7b4e6c8d058595fc2b634d1a35e29d9ad2c6a4ccc?s=20&d=mm&r=g - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.Janice
Take a delicious detour to the Middle East with this sensational Moroccan Lentil Salad. Packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a sprinkle of Middle Eastern magic, this salad is set to be the star of your next gathering.
prep: 15 minutes
cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
calories: 245kcal
servings: 4 servings
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Equipment You’ll Need

Ingredients 

For the salad

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 cucumber (diced)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the garnish

  • crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce heat to simmer. Cook the lentils for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, parsley, and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference.
  • Optional: Garnish the salad with crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese before serving.

Video

Notes

Serve this Moroccan Lentil Salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 354mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g

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Moroccan Lentil Salad Recipe 2 scaled - This vibrant Moroccan Lentil Salad brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and herbs, and tossed in a zesty cumin-lemon dressing, it's a healthy, satisfying meal that's naturally vegetarian. Easy to make ahead, it only gets better as the flavors develop.

Janice Smith is the creator and food blogger behind Salads for Lunch, a healthy recipe website dedicated to easy, delicious salads, soups, and wholesome family meals. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Athletic Therapy, Janice combines her passion for nutrition, fitness, and simple home cooking to inspire readers to live healthier lives. She began blogging after transforming her own lifestyle through healthy eating and exercise, and now shares approachable recipes that make it easy for busy families to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. When she's not developing recipes, Janice enjoys running, staying active, and spending time with her three daughters. Through Salads for Lunch, she encourages readers to embrace healthy living one meal at a time.

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