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Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe – Made in 20 Minutes
Make the great lentil and cranberry salad recipe with this tested recipe. Step-by-step guide with pro tips for amazing results every time!
⚡ Key Takeaways for lentil and cranberry salad recipe
- ✅ Total Time: 40 minutes from start to finish
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy – this lentil and cranberry salad recipe is perfect for beginners
- ✅ Servings: 8
- ✅ Best For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions
- ✅ Pro Tip: Read the full lentil and cranberry salad recipe guide before starting
📑 Table of Contents
Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe
This festive lentil cranberry salad is perfect for the holidays, but simple enough to serve at any time of the year. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's full of flavor.
This is the best lentil and cranberry salad recipe you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.
If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This lentil and cranberry salad recipe guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy this recipe turns out!
This Lentil And Cranberry Salad is comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s become a family favorite for good reason. Once you try this lentil and cranberry salad recipe, your family will ask for it again and again.
Why trust this lentil and cranberry salad recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof recipe that works every time.
Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal
Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience
“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”
📋 Quick Overview: lentil and cranberry salad recipe
⏱️
Prep Time
10 minutes
🍳
Cook Time
30 minutes
⏰
Total Time
40 minutes
🍽️
Servings
8
🔬 Why This lentil and cranberry salad recipe Works Every Time
This lentil and cranberry salad recipe is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes this lentil and cranberry salad recipe special:
- Acid Balance: The acidity brightens all the flavors and cuts through richness for a balanced dish.
- Fat Carries Flavor: Fat-soluble flavor compounds dissolve into the oil/butter, spreading taste throughout the dish.
- Proper Seasoning: Salt at every stage brings out natural flavors rather than just making food taste salty.
- Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients are the foundation – you can’t fake freshness.
🥘 Ingredients for Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe
Gather all items before you start making this lentil and cranberry salad recipe. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!
- 2 cans brown lentils ((540ml / 19oz cans))
- 1 ¼ cups crumbled feta ((175g))
- 1 cup dried cranberries ((140g))
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- zest of 1 orange
- juice of ½ orange
- juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- pinch black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
🌿 Ingredient Tips:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients
- Bring proteins to room temperature before cooking
- Prep all ingredients before you start (mise en place)
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:
Step 1: Drain the canned lentils and rinse well with cold water. Set to the side to drain while you make the salad dressing.
Step 2: Mix together the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl or jug.
Step 3: Finely chop the parsley.
Step 4: Add the drained lentils to a large bowl, along with t
he crumbled feta, dried cranberries and chopped parsley.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the top and mix everything together.
🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!
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💡 Expert Tips for Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe
These pro tips will help you make the perfect lentil and cranberry salad recipe every time:
🎯 Pro Tips for This Recipe:
- Citrus tip: Add citrus juice at the end to preserve brightness – heat dulls acidity.
🔄 Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This lentil and cranberry salad recipe is very flexible. Here are some tested options:
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lentils | Split peas or chickpeas | Adjust cooking time |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or vegetable oil | For high-heat cooking use avocado |
| Sugar | Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar | Adjust liquid if using syrup |
📜 About This Cuisine
American cuisine is a melting pot of culinary traditions brought by immigrants from around the world. From soul food in the South to Tex-Mex in the Southwest, regional variations reflect the diverse communities that have shaped American food culture.
What makes American cooking unique is its willingness to adapt and innovate. Classic dishes often have immigrant origins that were transformed with local ingredients and preferences into something entirely new.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes so your dish turns out perfect:
- Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and season in layers. Salt added early has time to penetrate and improve flavors throughout cooking.
- Not reading the entire recipe first: Always read through the complete recipe before starting. This prevents surprises and ensures you have everything ready.
Remember: Cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
✅ Essential Equipment:
- Sharp knife: A dull knife is more dangerous
- Cutting board: Large enough to work comfortably
💜 Helpful but Optional:
- Kitchen timer: Or use your phone
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.
📊 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
384
Calories
12-20g
Protein
30-40g
Carbs
12-16g
Fat
Note: A balanced dish with a good mix of macronutrients.
✨ Health Benefits:
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Excellent source of plant protein and fiber
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:
🥗 Serve With:
- Fresh salad
- Crusty bread
- Your favorite beverage
🥤 Beverage Pairing: Pair with water, wine, or your favorite beverage.
Presentation tip: A beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving dishes, and consider the contrast of colors on the plate.
🥡 How to Store lentil and cranberry salad recipe
Properly storing your lentil and cranberry salad recipe ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.
🏠
Room Temp
3-5 days in a sealed box
❄️
Fridge
Up to 1 week sealed
🧊
Freezer
Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge
❓ lentil and cranberry salad recipe FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions about this lentil and cranberry salad recipe:
How long does it take to make Lentil And Cranberry Salad?
This Lentil And Cranberry Salad takes 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
What ingredients do I need for Lentil And Cranberry Salad?
The main ingredients are: 2 cans brown lentils ((540ml / 19oz cans)), 1¼ cups crumbled feta ((175g)), 1 cup dried cranberries ((140g)), 1 bunch fresh parsley, zest of 1 orange. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.
How do you store Lentil And Cranberry Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can you make Lentil And Cranberry Salad ahead of time?
This Lentil And Cranberry Salad recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
What dressing goes with Lentil And Cranberry Salad?
This Lentil And Cranberry Salad recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
How long does Lentil And Cranberry Salad last in the fridge?
This Lentil And Cranberry Salad takes 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
📖 Complete lentil and cranberry salad recipe
Here is the full lentil and cranberry salad recipe with all ingredients and instructions:
Lentil And Cranberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Description
This festive lentil cranberry salad is perfect for the holidays, but simple enough to serve at any time of the year. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cans brown lentils ((540ml / 19oz cans))
1¼ cups crumbled feta ((175g))
1 cup dried cranberries ((140g))
1 bunch fresh parsley
zest of 1 orange
juice of ½ orange
juice of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Drain the canned lentils and rinse well with cold water. Set to the side to drain while you make the salad dressing.
Finely chop the parsley.
Add the drained lentils to a large bowl, along with the crumbled feta, dried cranberries and chopped parsley.
Pour the dressing over the top and mix everything together.
Notes
Recipe tested and perfected for best results. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Greek
Did you make this lentil and cranberry salad recipe?
I would love to hear how your lentil and cranberry salad recipe turned out! Leave a comment and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Last updated: January 26, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.
