Cold Greek Lentil Salad/Fakes Salata

Till the time I didn’t start cooking I had no idea how lentils can be used except for making Dals, Dosas, Idlis, Vadas and Payasams. And whenever I talked of Lentils the ubiquitous yellow Pigeon peas or Tuvar Dal which is a regular in every Indian Kitchen would come to my mind. As I grew in the cooking arena I realised how prominently lentils show up in various Global cuisines.

The power packed Lentils are a rich source of lean protein dietary fibres, Iron and Folate. Adding lentils to our diet has multiple health benefits, from helping us to control our weight to promoting heart health, control diabetes, prevent birth defects Etc. They are low in calories and contain absolutely no fat! So make sure this amazing superfood is a part of your shopping basket always.

This Greek lentil salad or Fakes Salata as known in Greek is a popular dish in Greece ,a cold hearty salad devoured during spring and summer time and they have different variations of this exquisite dish. This delicious salad is a healthy combo of boiled brown lentils with garlic, colourful fresh veggies tossed in a red wine vinaigrette dressing and finally a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint and dill with the salty, creamy, crumbled Feta cheese which makes the salad lustier.

If you have been avoiding the lentils because of the soaring temperatures, do try this cold,refreshing and filling salad and revel in its taste. Dole it out for lunches throughout the week or as a healthy contribution for a summer potluck. This goes to the 38th Foodie Monday Bloghop and the theme is …yes !you guessed it right Dal delights.

Cold Greek Lentil Salad/Fakes Salata

Print Recipe

This delicious salad is a healthy combo of boiled brown lentils with garlic, colourful fresh veggies tossed in a red wine vinaigrette dressing and finally a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint and dill with the salty, creamy, crumbled Feta cheese which makes the salad lustier.

• Coursesalad
• Cuisinegreek

Servings	Prep Time
2 portion	15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings Prep Time 2 portion 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Cold Greek Lentil Salad/Fakes Salata Print Recipe This delicious salad is a healthy combo of boiled brown lentils with garlic, colourful fresh veggies tossed in a red wine vinaigrette dressing and finally a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint and dill with the salty, creamy, crumbled Feta cheese which makes the salad lustier. Coursesalad Cuisinegreek Servings Prep Time 2 portion 15 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Servings Prep Time 2 portion 15 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Lentils Masoor Dal Brown or whole
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 cloves Garlic ,crushed
• 1 Cucumber small ,sliced
• 1 onion small ,sliced
• 6 - 7 Cherry tomatoes ,halved
• 1/2 bell pepper Red and yellow ,sliced
• 5 kalamata olives ,pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled
• A few sprigs mint of chopped
• A handful parsley dill or ,chopped
• to taste Salt
• Dressing for the salad
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil Extra
• 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp mustard whole grain
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• A pinch paprika of
• to taste Salt pepper and

Servings: portion

Instructions

1. Wash the lentils and soak it in water for 15 minutes.Keep it aside and slice the veggies as required.
2. Boil the lentils with garlic, bay leaf and salt to taste in a saucepan for nearly 15 minutes in a gentle simmer.Keep on checking as the lentils should be cooked but not mushy and should retain a slight tooth for the salad.
3. In the meantime prepare the vinaigrette dressing for the salad, add all the ingredients for dressing in a bottle, shake vigorously till incorporated well and keep it in the fridge.
4. When the lentils are cooked drain them and place under running water to stop the cooking process.
5. When slightly cooled add the sliced cucumber, juicy tomatoes, olives, onion, red and yellow bell peppers, a little of the chopped herbs in a large bowl and toss with the chilled vinaigrette dressing, sprinkle the creamy feta on it and chill for an hour. Add the rest of the fresh herbs before serving.

Recipe Notes

Share this Recipe