First off, make sure everything is clean and ready to go. Whether you’ve opted for the Trader Joe's version or made your lentils from scratch, gathering your ingredients will streamline the cooking process.

For the Trader Joe’s version, simply open the package and measure out 1 1/2 cups of the prepared lentils. If you're going from scratch, rinse your dried lentils under cold water and add them to a pot with three times their volume of water. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender but not mushy.

In a large bowl, combine your 1 1/2 cups of the tomato basil bruschetta blend. If you're making it fresh, whip up a simple homemade bruschetta sauce using diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and a bit of garlic. This will add incredible freshness to your dish.

Dump your lentils into the bowl with the bruschetta blend. Add your tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This addition gives the whole dish a tangy, savory flavor that just elevates everything. Stir gently—don’t mush the lentils!

Fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta for creaminess and 1/4 cup of fresh basil for that lovely herbal note. This is one of my favorite parts. The colors alone are enough to make your kitchen feel festive.

Let the mixture sit for a bit. This helps all the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding kosher salt if needed.