You know those Lentil Salad recipes that try way too hard to be exciting? Yeah, this isn’t one of them. This Summer Lentil Salad is cool, crunchy, and totally unfussy—the kind of thing you throw together in 10 minutes and somehow end up feeling like a domestic goddess (or at least someone who didn’t eat cereal for lunch).
I started making this on busy workdays when I needed a Make Ahead Lunch that wouldn’t bore me to death. It’s loaded with Juicy Tomatoes, a pop of basil, and enough texture to keep every bite interesting. Oh, and it’s accidentally healthy. Win-win.
Sicilian Lentil Salad
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Colander
- Julienne peeler (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups canned lentils drained and rinsed
- 1 celery stalk with leaves chopped
- 1 large carrot julienned or grated
- 2 tablespoons pickled capers
- 4 small dill pickles sliced into rounds
- 6 red cherry tomatoes quartered
- 6 yellow cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 sweet red pepper like a corno di toro or similar, chopped
- 1 handful fresh basil torn
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Drain and Rinse Lentils: Pour the lentils into a colander, give them a good rinse under cold water, and let them drain completely.2 ½ cups canned lentils
- Chop the Veggies: On a cutting board, chop the celery (yes, use the leafy tops too), julienne or grate the carrot, and slice up the pickles and pepper into small bites. Quarter the cherry tomatoes.1 celery stalk with leaves, 1 large carrot, 4 small dill pickles, 1 sweet red pepper, 6 yellow cherry tomatoes
- Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the lentils with all the chopped vegetables, pickles, tomatoes, and capers. Tear the basil leaves over the top for that fresh herby vibe.2 tablespoons pickled capers, 6 red cherry tomatoes, 1 handful fresh basil
- Season and Dress: Sprinkle on a little salt, drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Mix it all up like you mean it.Salt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about an hour so all the flavors can chill and make friends. Serve it cold, maybe with a handful of arugula or some feta if you're feeling fancy.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a stir before serving!
Sicilian Lentil Salad: The Cold Salad That Thinks It’s Better Than You (And Kinda Is)
🥫 Don’t Be a Lentil Snob
Yes, canned lentils are totally fine. This is a 10-minute salad, not a five-hour pilgrimage to the Church of Soaking Beans. Just rinse them really well or they’ll taste like the inside of the can.
🧊 Chill, Baby, Chill
This salad gets way better after a nap in the fridge. One hour minimum. Overnight? Even better. The flavors mingle, the veggies mellow, and you get to pretend you’re the type of person who meal preps.
🫒 Capers or Nah?
Love ’em or leave ’em. Capers bring the salty-sour punch, but if you’re not a fan, swap them for olives, banana peppers, or just skip and add a tiny splash of extra vinegar.
🥕 Grate Expectations
Julienned carrots make you look fancy, but grated works just fine. Or cheat completely and buy pre-shredded—no judgment here. This isn’t Top Chef.
🌶️ Pepper Pick-Me-Up
Can’t find sweet red “corno di toro” peppers? Any mild, crunchy pepper will do. Bell peppers are fine. Just avoid green ones unless you want your salad to taste like regret.
🌿 Basil, But Make It Optional
Fresh basil is amazing, but don’t panic if your bunch went brown in the fridge (RIP). A pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning can pinch-hit in a pinch.
🧀 Feta Forever (Or Not)
A few crumbles of feta? Chef’s kiss. Want to keep it vegan? Don’t add it. Easy. You’re in control here. This salad bends to your will.
🍋 Dressing Drama
Too basic for just oil and vinegar? Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a spoonful of Dijon, or a drizzle of honey to jazz it up. Shake it all in a jar like a rebel.
🥗 Make It a Meal
Toss in some arugula, chickpeas, grilled chicken, tuna, or whatever protein is lurking in your fridge. Boom—Lentil Salad Meal Prep level: expert.
