Best 3 Quinoa And Lentil Salad Recipes

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**Quinoa and Lentil Salad: A Protein-Packed, Flavorful Dish for Health-Conscious Individuals**

Quinoa and lentil salad is a delectable and nutritious dish that caters to health-conscious individuals seeking a protein-rich, fiber-filled meal. This colorful salad combines the goodness of quinoa, lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It's an excellent option for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at gatherings. With its vibrant colors and textures, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. This recipe provides detailed instructions for creating a basic quinoa and lentil salad, along with variations for those seeking a vegan, gluten-free, or spicy version. Additionally, it includes tips for preparing the salad ahead of time and suggestions for customizing it with your favorite ingredients.

**Recipes Included:**

1. **Basic Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This foundational recipe guides you through the process of cooking quinoa and lentils, combining them with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing.

2. **Vegan Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This variation caters to vegan individuals by using plant-based alternatives to traditional ingredients, such as vegan feta cheese and a creamy tahini dressing.

3. **Gluten-Free Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This version is tailored for those with gluten sensitivities, utilizing gluten-free ingredients like tamari sauce and certified gluten-free quinoa and lentils.

4. **Spicy Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This recipe adds a kick of heat to the classic salad by incorporating chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a spicy dressing.

5. **Make-Ahead Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This guide provides tips and techniques for preparing the salad in advance, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful for meal prep or gatherings.

6. **Customizing Your Quinoa and Lentil Salad:** This section offers suggestions for personalizing the salad with various ingredients, such as different vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dressings, to suit your taste preferences.

With its versatility, health benefits, and delicious taste, this quinoa and lentil salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRANBERRY LENTIL AND QUINOA SALAD



Cranberry Lentil and Quinoa Salad image

A healthy, protein-packed salad.

Provided by CeliaBelia

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup dried lentils
2 bay leaves, divided
water to cover
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
ground black pepper to taste
½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
½ cup dried cranberries, or to taste
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small green onion, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Place lentils and 1 bay leaf in a saucepan with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes; drain and discard bay leaf. Rinse with cold water until lentils cool and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Bring 2 cups water, quinoa, and remaining bay leaf to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse quinoa with cold water until cool, discarding bay leaf. Stir quinoa into lentils.
  • Heat lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave until warm, about 30 seconds. Stir honey into juice until dissolved. Add vinegar and salt; whisk in olive oil and season with black pepper. Pour lemon juice mixture into lentils and quinoa.
  • Mix walnuts, cranberries, feta cheese, and green onion into lentil and quinoa salad. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.1 calories, Carbohydrate 24.7 g, Cholesterol 5.6 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 7.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 122.7 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

LENTIL, QUINOA, AND MUNG BEAN SALAD



Lentil, Quinoa, and Mung Bean Salad image

Packed with fiber, protein, and potassium and lightly dressed with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. This is a family favorite that is always requested for cookouts. I sometimes add a little honey as the acid in lemons can vary depending on the lemon that is used. Top each serving with a little feta, if desired.

Provided by Bren

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 9h55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

½ cup dried green mung beans
4 cups water, plus more for soaking
½ cup green lentils, rinsed
1 bay leaf
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
⅓ cup light olive oil
½ English cucumber, diced
1 Roma tomato, diced
½ red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
½ cup chopped green onions
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Place mung beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add lentils and bay leaf, cover, and simmer over low heat for 18 to 20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile, drain mung beans. Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil in a small pot. Add mung beans, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • Bring 2 cups salted water and quinoa to a boil in a medium pot. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until all water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Place lemon juice, zest, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in the bottom of a large bowl. Drizzle in oil, whisking constantly until dressing is smooth. Add cooled lentils, mung beans, and quinoa; stir to combine. Add cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, green onions, and parsley; stir to incorporate. Refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour. Taste and adjust salt, if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 257.8 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 8.3 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 305.2 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

QUINOA AND LENTIL SALAD



Quinoa and Lentil Salad image

A salad made with a superfood! It's light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Not to mention, it's easy to make. You can sub honey for the agave nectar.

Provided by zoeDisco

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cups quinoa
3 cups water
½ cup dry lentils
2 cups water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon agave nectar
sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 small carrot, chopped
½ cucumber, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
½ yellow bell pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring the quinoa and 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Run under cold water to cool; drain. Pour into a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, bring the lentils and 2 cups water to a boil in a separate saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Run under cold water to cool; drain any excess moisture.
  • Whisk the rice vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and agave nectar together in a bowl until well incorporated. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and stir to coat evenly. Add the lentils, carrot, cucumber, green onions, and yellow bell pepper; stir until evenly mixed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.4 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Fat 10.8 g, Fiber 11 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 114.2 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use freshly cooked quinoa and lentils. You can cook them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • If you don't have any fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs that you would use fresh.
  • This salad is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Feel free to add any vegetables that you have on hand, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini.
  • If you want a more substantial salad, you can add some cooked chicken or fish. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Conclusion:

This quinoa and lentil salad is a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's also a good source of iron and calcium. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this quinoa and lentil salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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