Cookwith

Name: Middle Eastern Green Lentil Salad with Omani Spices and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed; 3 cups water; 1/2 small red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup golden raisins; 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground dried lime (or zest of 1 lime + 1 tsp lime juice); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp honey (or date syrup for vegan)

Middle Eastern Green Lentil Salad with Omani Spices and Fresh Herbs

CitrusyCarrot5102

This vibrant Middle Eastern green lentil salad is an ode to Omani flavors, bright herbs, and cooling freshness—perfect for a hot Utah evening. Toasting the cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves releases their aroma, lending an exotic warmth that complements the earthiness of green lentils. Golden raisins add little pops of sweetness, while cucumber and tomato keep every bite lively. Fresh mint and parsley bring a garden-fresh finish, and toasted slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch. Enjoy this salad as a satisfying lunch, a side, or a light dinner bursting with texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Instructions

Place lentils and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 18–22 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or date syrup), ground dried lime (or zest and juice), toasted spices, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Add cooled lentils, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, golden raisins, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as desired.
Transfer salad to a serving platter. Top with toasted slivered almonds just before serving for crunch.