Description
A vibrant and nutritious Quinoa and Lentil Salad combining protein-packed quinoa and lentils with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or a wholesome side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional
- â…“ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from heat and allow the quinoa to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cooked lentils, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and mint. Toss these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified, creating a bright and tangy dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and lentil mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the dressing.
- Add Feta and Serve: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top to add a creamy, salty component. The salad can be served immediately for a fresh meal or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
- For extra richness, consider adding diced avocado or olives.
- Incorporate roasted vegetables to add heartiness and depth to the salad.
