Anti Inflammatory Garlic-Dill Yogurt Lentil Cucumber Salad
This salad is the kind of bowl that looks simple but delivers on every level — creamy, herby, bright, and satisfying all at once. Tender green lentils form the hearty base, folded together with crisp cucumber half-moons, fresh parsley, and scallion greens for a combination that feels light but genuinely fills you up. The dressing is where things get really good: whole-milk yogurt whisked with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, cumin, and a touch of turmeric creates something tangy and aromatic that coats every lentil beautifully. Turmeric and extra virgin olive oil are two of the most well-regarded ingredients in an inflammation-conscious kitchen, and here they pull double duty as flavor builders too. Lentils bring plant-based protein and fiber to the table, while the abundance of fresh herbs adds color and a pop of brightness that makes the whole dish feel alive. It comes together in under 30 minutes, serves four, and actually gets better as it sits — making it a smart option for meal prep or a quick weeknight side. A final drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon right before serving takes it from great to genuinely craveable.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the lentils
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- salt and pepper to taste
For the salad
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
For serving
- 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed lentils, water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape and are not mushy.
- 2
Drain the lentils through a colander and spread them on a large plate or sheet pan to cool for 10 minutes, until no longer steaming.
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