Clearwater Native Shares Favorite Greek Lentil Salad Recipe

The 10-minute salad is perfect for meal prep and warm weather.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:28am

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Jessica Furniss shares her go-to recipe for a Greek-inspired lentil salad, featuring canned lentils, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a tangy Greek dressing. Furniss developed a love for authentic Greek cuisine while attending college in Clearwater, Florida, and this salad allows her to recreate those bright Mediterranean flavors at home.

Why it matters

This simple, protein-packed salad is an ideal meal prep option, as the flavors only improve over time and it can last up to four days in the fridge. The recipe also allows readers to easily incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet through the use of versatile canned lentils.

The details

Furniss recommends rinsing the canned lentils before assembling the salad to remove any excess liquid, and dicing the cucumbers and other vegetables into small, uniform pieces to improve the texture. She also suggests customizing the salad by adding protein like salmon or chicken, or extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, radishes, and kale. The salad can be served on its own or paired with Greek-style potatoes and chicken souvlaki.

  • Furniss developed a love for Greek food while attending college in Clearwater, Florida in the early 2000s.
  • Furniss now makes this lentil salad regularly as the weather warms up, as it's a refreshing and easy-to-prepare meal.

The players

Jessica Furniss

A home cook who shares recipes on SimplyRecipes.com, Furniss developed a passion for authentic Greek cuisine while attending college in Clearwater, Florida.

Ken's Simply Vinaigrette Greek

A store-bought Greek salad dressing that Furniss recommends using in her lentil salad recipe.

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What they’re saying

“The first time in my life I'd ever had authentic Greek food, and after that first bite of chicken souvlaki, I fell in love.”

— Jessica Furniss

The takeaway

This Greek-inspired lentil salad is a quick, easy, and versatile meal prep option that allows home cooks to enjoy the bright flavors of the Mediterranean at home, even as the weather warms up.