How to Make Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese: A Quick and Healthy Recipe

Lentil salad with fried cheese is a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches. Combining the earthy richness of lentils with the crispy, savory goodness of fried cheese, this dish is a flavor explosion that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick vegetarian dinner or a hearty salad to meal prep for the week, this recipe has you covered.

What makes this lentil salad with fried cheese so great? It’s quick to make, vegetarian-friendly, and loaded with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies, and herbs, or even swap out the cheese for a different variety. In this post, I’ll show you how to make lentil salad with fried cheese step by step, so you can enjoy this wholesome dish in no time. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious, this lentil salad with fried cheese is a winner. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a meal in a hurry. With simple steps and minimal prep, it’s one of the easiest salad recipes you’ll ever make.
2. Packed with Protein and Fiber: Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, making this salad a filling and wholesome option. Paired with fried cheese, it’s a high-protein vegetarian meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep or a Light Dinner: Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a light yet satisfying dinner, this salad fits the bill. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but also works well as a side dish.
4. Endlessly Customizable: One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite veggies, and herbs, or even try different types of cheese to make it your own.

With its perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity, this lentil salad with fried cheese is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese

To make this delicious and wholesome lentil salad with fried cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Salad

• 1 cup cooked lentils (or 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula

Fried Cheese

• 200g halloumi cheese (or paneer/feta as alternatives)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint
• Avocado slices for extra creaminess
• A handful of nuts or seeds for crunch

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

• Lentils: Use canned lentils for a quicker option, or cook dried lentils ahead of time. Green or brown lentils work best for their firm texture.
• Cheese: Halloumi is the best cheese for frying because it holds its shape and gets beautifully crispy. If you can’t find halloumi, paneer or even feta are great alternatives.
• Dressing: Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil ratio to your taste. For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your lentil salad with fried cheese:

1: Cook the Lentils

• If using dried lentils, rinse them thoroughly and cook according to package instructions until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
• Pro Tip: For a quicker option, use canned lentils. Just drain, and rinse, and they’re ready to go!

2: Prepare the Veggies

• Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes (halve them), cucumber (dice into small pieces), and red onion (finely chopped).
• If using spinach or arugula, rinse and pat dry.

3: Fry the Cheese

• Slice the halloumi cheese into ½-inch thick pieces.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
• Fry the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Pro Tip: Pat the cheese dry with a paper towel before frying to ensure it gets extra crispy.

4: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5: Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped veggies, and spinach or arugula.
• Slice the fried cheese into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together to combine.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the fried cheese is still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Lentil Salad

Want to take your lentil salad with fried cheese to the next level? Here are some pro tips to make it even better:

1. Crispy Fried Cheese: Pat the cheese dry with a paper towel before frying. This removes excess moisture and ensures a golden, crispy texture.
2. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint to brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness.
3. Serve Warm or Cold: This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for a comforting meal or cold for a refreshing lunch—it’s delicious either way!
4. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even avocado slices would work beautifully.
5. Make It Mediterranean: Turn this into a Mediterranean lentil salad by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
6. Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check that your cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free to ensure your dish meets dietary needs.
7. Meal Prep Tip: If you’re planning to meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

With these tips, your lentil salad with fried cheese will be a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish every time!

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about this lentil salad with fried cheese is how versatile it is. Here are some creative ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

1. Swap the Cheese:
   • If you can’t find halloumi, try paneer or feta for a different flavor and texture. Paneer fries beautifully, while feta adds a tangy twist.
2. Add Roasted Veggies:
   • Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra depth and sweetness. Roasted veggies pair perfectly with the earthy lentils and crispy cheese.
3. Switch Up the Base:
   • Not a fan of lentils? Use quinoa, chickpeas, or even couscous as the base for a fun twist. These alternatives still keep the dish protein-packed and satisfying.
4. Go Vegan:
   • This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative like tofu or vegan halloumi.
5. Add More Crunch:
   • Sprinkle in some toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for added texture and nutrition.
6. Experiment with Dressings:
   • Try a tahini-based dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
7. Make It Spicy:
   • Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

With so many ways to customize this dish, you can make it your own and never get bored! Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just experimenting with flavors, this lentil salad with fried cheese is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Conclusion

Lentil salad with fried cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered. With its protein-packed lentils, crispy fried cheese, and fresh, vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, adapt it to suit dietary preferences or even meal prep it for the week ahead. No matter how you make it, this lentil salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try. I promise, your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments or on social media—I’d love to see how you make it your own.

Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese

Recipe by EmilyCourse: Salads, Main Course, Side DishCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

A refreshing and protein-packed lentil salad topped with golden, crispy fried cheese. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish!

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

• 1 cup (200g) green or brown lentils, rinsed

• 4 cups (1 liter) water

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 handful of fresh mint, chopped

• For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Fried Cheese:

• 200g (7 oz) halloumi cheese, sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

• Cook the Lentils:
• Place the rinsed lentils, water, and bay leaf in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
• Drain, remove the bay leaf, and let the lentils cool.
• Prepare the Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Assemble the Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Fry the Cheese:
• Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
• Serve:
• Plate the lentil salad and top it with the fried halloumi slices.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute halloumi with paneer or feta, but adjust frying as needed.
• This salad is great as a main dish or a side.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days (add the cheese fresh when serving).

FAQs About Lentil Salad with Fried Cheese

Discover insightful answers to frequently asked questions about this delectable dish:

1. What cheese is best for frying?

Halloumi is the ideal cheese for frying because it holds its shape and gets beautifully crispy. If you can’t find halloumi, paneer or even feta are great alternatives. Keep in mind that feta won’t achieve the same crispiness as halloumi or paneer, adding a creamy texture instead.

2. Is it feasible to prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can get a head start by preparing most of the components in advance! Cook the lentils, chop the veggies, and make the dressing in advance. However, fry the cheese just before serving to keep it crispy. Store everything separately and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this lentil salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients. Double-check labels on items like canned lentils or pre-packaged cheese to ensure they’re gluten-free.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, it’s best to keep the fried cheese separate. Mixing it with the salad might make it lose its delightful crunchiness. Reheat the cheese in a skillet for a few minutes to restore its texture before serving.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative like tofu or vegan halloumi. You can also add extra veggies, nuts, or seeds to boost the flavor and texture.

6. What can I use instead of lentils?

If you’re not a fan of lentils, try using quinoa, chickpeas, or even cooked farro as the base. These alternatives still provide plenty of protein and fiber.