Name: Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 cup water or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and cooked; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

why make this recipe

Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad is a fresh and nutritious dish that combines protein-rich quinoa and lentils with vibrant vegetables. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner. It is quick to prepare and works great for meal prep or potlucks. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.

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how to make Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad

Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and cooked
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the quinoa by combining the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and let it cool.
Prepare the lentils according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool.
Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, lentils, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and parsley.
Dress the salad with the lemon-herb dressing and toss gently to combine.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Chill for at least 15-20 minutes or serve immediately.

how to serve Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad

Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. It works well on its own or as a side with grilled meats or fish. You can also pack it for lunch or serve it at a gathering. For extra freshness, add some extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

how to store Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to three days. If it looks a little dry after being in the fridge, you can stir in a bit more olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it.

tips to make Flavor-Packed Quinoa Lentil Greek Salad

Rinse the quinoa and lentils well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, based on your preference.
If you like a bit of crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
Use fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor.

variation

You can swap out the feta cheese for a vegan alternative or a different cheese, like goat cheese. If you want a different taste, try adding roasted veggies or grilled chicken to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and dress it right before serving for the best flavor.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free quinoa. Check the labels to be sure.

3. Can I use other beans instead of lentils?

Absolutely! You can replace lentils with chickpeas or black beans for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure they are cooked and drained before adding them to the salad.