Go Back
Closeup view of lentil salad in a light blue bowl with a spoon in it
Print

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Quick, 10 minute Mediterranean Lentil Salad made in the Instant Pot is a healthy, protein-packed lunch
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 484kcal
Author Healing Tomato

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Strainer

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup lentils
  • 1.5 cup water for soaking
  • 1 tsp salt for pressure cooking
  • 1 cup water to cook the lentils
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper about 1/4 of a bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion about 1/8 of a red onion
  • 1/8 red cabbage
  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 5 olives
  • 2 Tbsp capers
  • 2 Tbsp oregano, dried use fresh if you have it
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1 tsp tahini
  • 1/2 tsp salt for flavor, optional
  • 2 Tbsp feta, crumbled

For Garnish

  • cilantro
  • Italian parsley

Instructions

  • Pre-soak lentils overnight
  • When ready to cook, drain the excess water and put the soaked lentils in instant pot
  • Add water and salt to the lentils
  • Close the lid and set the option to "Pressure Cook". See note #1 below
  • Set the time to 6 minutes and remove the "Keep Warm" option.
  • While the instant pot is cooking the lentils, chop your bell peppers, onions and garlic.
  • Shred your red cabbage or you can put it in your food processor to finely shred them
  • Once the Instant pot is ready to be opened, drain the lentils and set aside
  • Wash your IP inner container, dry it and place it back in your Instant Pot
  • Set your IP to "Saute" option and add extra virgin olive oil
  • Add the remaining ingredients (except garnish) in the order listed above.
  • Mix well, turn off Instant pot and transfer lentils to serving bowl
  • Garnish with cilantro and parsley

Serve immediately or place it in meal prep containers

    Video

    Notes

    NOTES
    #1 - If you have manual option in your instant pot, use that option and set it to 6 minutes
    TIPS
    • Soak the lentils the night before. Even though they don't take long to cook in the Instant Pot, they are still healthier when soaked overnight
    • You can make a big batch of the lentils in advance and use it several times during the week.
    • Use veggies and herbs that you have on hand, not just what I have used in this recipe. Use seasonal veggies in it, if you have them.
    • I don't use any vinegar in this Mediterranean lentil salad because the feta cheese adds the tang and salty flavors to this salad.
    • Use fresh herbs you have on hand to garnish the salad. I had Italian parsley and cilantro on hand, so, that's what I used. If you have tarragon or basil, they would be perfect in this lentil salad
    • If you don't have tahini, use hummus or even pesto.