Hearty quinoa lentil salad recipe Proteinpacked delicious Tahini dressing adds creamy nutty flavor Easy vegetarian lunch or side dish
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
Cook the Lentils: In another medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa and lentils are cooking, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the parsley and mint.
Make the Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and mint. Pour the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Add the Finishing Touches: If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later. This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together!
