Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Lentil Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

A vibrant lentil salad tossed with a unique coffee and berbere spice blend, brightened by a fresh citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing Ethiopian-inspired dish. This Ethiopian-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs green lentils, water, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground Ethiopian coffee
• 1 tsp berbere spice mix
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Coffee makers worth buying → Best Coffee Makers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup green lentils and place in a medium saucepan with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and let cool.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp ground Ethiopian coffee, 1 tsp berbere spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled lentils, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 3 thinly sliced scallions, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
4. Step 4: Pour the coffee and berbere vinaigrette over the lentil mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful salad or side dish.