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Lentil Tabbouleh Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 88 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Lentil Tabbouleh salad featuring cooked lentils combined with fresh herbs, cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This gluten-free, protein-packed dish is refreshing and perfect as a light meal or side.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooked Lentils

  • ½ cup uncooked French green or black lentils
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Water

Salad

  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 bunches curly parsley
  • 10 mint leaves
  • ½ English cucumber, diced (or 2 small Persian cucumbers)
  • ½ cup tomatoes, diced
  • ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sumac (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup uncooked French green or black lentils, 1 bay leaf, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
  2. Prepare the Dressing and Lentil Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooked lentils with ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Chop and Combine Vegetables and Herbs: Finely chop 2 bunches of curly parsley and 10 mint leaves. Dice ½ English cucumber (or 2 small Persian cucumbers), ½ cup tomatoes, and finely dice ⅓ cup red onion. Add all to the bowl with the lentil mixture and stir until evenly combined.
  4. Season the Salad: Just before serving, season the salad with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon sumac if using. Mix gently to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly.

Notes

  • Sumac adds a tangy and slightly lemony flavor, enhancing the salad—highly recommended but optional if unavailable.
  • You can substitute English cucumber with Persian cucumbers for a smaller, crisper texture.
  • Ensure lentils are cooked until tender but not mushy to maintain texture in the salad.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature and is perfect for meal prep.
  • If desired, add a bit more olive oil or lemon juice to adjust acidity and moisture.

Keywords: lentil tabbouleh, lentil salad, Middle Eastern salad, healthy vegetarian salad, gluten free salad, fresh herb salad

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/lentil-tabbouleh-recipe/