Easy Middle Eastern Lentil Salad will dazzle your family, guests or anyone! Healthy, easy to prepare, and divine! Perfect with anything!
I've made this lentil salad so many times I can't keep count. Yes, it's that good. And, the original recipe, which I've adapted, is credited to the talented and amazing chef, Yotam Ottolenghi. He's undoubtedly one of my most favorite chefs. I find his recipes are right up my alley. Of course, if you love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods like I do then you're in business. It's so worth buying his cookbooks.
What are Umbrian Lentils
Umbrian lentils are spectacular! They're small perfectly shaped brown jewels with a delicate flavor. When cooked, and they cook rather quickly, they're tender and delightful.
The important thing about these Umbrian lentils, which are also known as Castelluccio lentils, is that they don't become mushy when cooked. Some lentils do that and they're better for soups than salads.
For more great reading on the different types of lentils, Bon Appetite puts it simply in this quick read!
Umbrian Lentils Substitute
Umbrian lentils come from the Umbrian area of Italy. You can find them at some Italian delis or purchase them online, which I do. In fact, when I buy them, I usually buy 4-6 bags at a time because they do last.
If you can't find Umbrian lentils or don't want to order, you can use the French green lentils, which are from the Puy region of France.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Of course, this salad is quite 'Mediterranean'. Yes, fresh healthy ingredients. Certainly vegetarian. And, perfect with a protein or seafood. Of course, I love to eat a scoop of this Middle Eastern lentil salad with a fried egg on top. Give me some warm baguette and I'm one happy gal!
Moroccan Lentil Salad
Moroccan lentil salads are quite similar to this salad. What makes it more Moroccan would be the addition of some fresh mint into the herb mixture. And, another addition would be maybe a tablespoon of harissa mixture.
You can purchase harissa (dry and paste mixture), BUT there's nothing better than making your own. And, I promise you that my recipe for harissa that's in my cookbook is as simple as it gets!
Lentil Salad Recipe
One thing I really love about this recipe is that you can prepare it in steps. For instance, you can cook the lentils a day ahead of time, refrigerate and then have them ready to use.
Only one caveat to that is that when mixing everything together with lentils that are still 'warm' (certainly not hot), the flavors tend to infuse more deeply and beautifully.
Cold Lentil Salad
This lentil salad can be eaten cold, warm, or at room temperature. I love it cold with something spicy and hot, like fried chicken or maybe a spicy grilled shrimp. The coolness of the salad and the subtle softness of the lentil texture pairs well with so many things.
Warm Lentil Salad
Warm lentil salad would be enhanced with slices of protein on top. Think grilled chicken or seafood. Of course, a red meat would be divine. I've served with my open fire lamb chops and it's a perfect combination. Another idea would be to try my Mandarin Lamb Chops. That tad of sweet mandarins would just send the flavors over the top!
Middle Eastern Lentil Salad
Lentils are full of nutrition. And, as you might know there are different colors!
- BROWN: An earthy flavor. They hold their shape. Yes, perfect for this recipe.
- PUY: This is the fancy French type. Smaller in size than a regular lentil, these have a peppery taste.
- BELUGA: Oh, these are the dramatic black lentils. Yes, think caviar! Perfect for salads, too.
- GREEN: Traditionally these vary in size. And, green are the most inexpensive lentils.
- YELLOW/RED: Oh, these are the ones that get mushy when they cook. And, the cook quickly. They're got a sweet nutty flavor.
Brown Lentil Salad Recipe Easy
My recommendation is that you bite the bullet and order the Umbrian Lentils. Why? Because this is such an exquisite salad, you want to use the very best ingredients in order to make it the most authentic that you can. You won't be disappointed!
I served this salad at a charity cooking demo and I can tell you that those looking on when this salad was plated on a platter were in awe of its beauty! And, don't forget, you can add some greens to this salad!
I tossed in some peppery fresh arugula and it was divine!
