Lemony Lentil Asparagus and Tomato Salad
Updated Mar 02, 2022, Published May 10, 2017
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Lemony Lentil, Asparagus and Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese is light, healthful, perfect for a spring meal and will go with just about anything!
The inspiration behind this recipe:
After eating way too much recently, I’ve been craving something healthy and light. This Greek-inspired Lemony Lentil, Asparagus and Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese has so many of my favorite things!
We had all the ingredients on hand:
- Asparagus
- Brown lentils
- Grape tomatoes
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Feta cheese
Keep fresh lemons in a bowl and Italian parsley in the fridge and you’ll be able to create so many things!
Tips for making Lemony Lentil, Asparagus and Tomato Salad:
- Always try to think ahead a little bit when you’re cooking and try to combine steps if possible. For example, I start with a saucepan of salted boiling water to blanch the asparagus. This may be common sense but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve inadvertently spilled out cooking water I could have used again!
- Scoop the asparagus out with a small sieve because you can use that water to cook the lentils.
- You’ll also need to prepare an ice bath to “shock” the asparagus once you’ve blanched it. This process “sets” the color.
- Use that ice water to help cool the lentils. You’ll save time and resources!
This is one of those salads to enjoy in so many ways and it will go with just about anything! How about topped with some grilled chicken? Alongside shish kebab? Oh, yeah!
Enjoy!
Want more great spring-inspired salad ideas? Be sure to check out:
- Arugula, Egg and Asparagus Salad with Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette
- French Lentil Salad
- Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Cucumber, Tomato and Red Onion Salad with Yogurt Mint Dressing and Feta Cheese
- Green Bean Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Lemony Lentil Asparagus and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- Salt
- 1 pound thin asparagus, cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup dried brown lentils
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare an ice bath.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook 10-15 seconds or until it turns bright green. Remove with a small sieve and transfer to the ice bath.
- Add the lentils to the boiling water and cook 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender, being careful not to overcook. Drain and rinse under cold running water (and use the ice water). Drain well. Pat the asparagus dry.
- Combine the lentils, asparagus, tomatoes, red onion and parsley in a bowl.
- Whisk lemon juice, olive oil and garlic together. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Add the feta cheese and toss. Garnish with parsley sprigs and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Blanch the asparagus, then cook the lentils in the same water. Scoop the asparagus out with a small sieve and pour in the lentils.
- Use the ice water you used to shock the asparagus to help cool the lentils. You’ll save time and resources!
- The lentils can be cooked 2-3 days ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Combine the salad, leaving off the dressing and feta cheese and refrigerate.
- When ready to serve, toss with the dressing and add the feta cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
I googled “lentils asparagus” since those were the ingredients I had on hand and found this recipe right away. It was PERFECT for our supper. This is getting added to our rotation. Thank you!
Hi, Alexa, Thanks so very much and so happy you enjoyed!! I LOVE being able to use the ingredients I already have to make something delicious. Thanks again!
Wonderful salad paired well with the Baby Back Ribs I fixed for our lunch.
Hi, Christine, Thanks so much and so glad you enjoyed!! Sounds like a wonderful combination!
I agree, family first! As I write this we’re celebrating mothers day with the entire family! This salad sound so refreshing. Im so ready for all the the summer fresh produce!
Thanks, Michele! Have a great one!
That looks delicious! I use lentils all winter for soup,and then forget how good they are in salad – thanks for that reminder! They must balance the tart lemon and sharp feta beautifully.
Thanks, Anne!