Looking for a versatile and flavorful salad that’s both healthy and easy to make? This Lentil Quinoa Salad is your answer. It’s a fantastic option for a satisfying lunch, a light and refreshing dinner, or even a make-ahead meal prep salad to enjoy throughout the week. The combination of hearty lentils, protein-rich quinoa, crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a bright lemon dressing creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Every bite is packed with fiber and plant-based protein, keeping you feeling full and energized for hours.

If you’re in the mood for a green salad, be sure to try my Lemon Arugula Salad or my Kale Salad. Both are quick, easy and delicious.

I love using quinoa in salads as a healthy and gluten-free alternative to other grains. It reminds me of bulgur, which is commonly used in tabbouleh, and can easily be substituted for it. Quinoa cooks relatively quickly and holds up beautifully throughout the week, making it an ideal ingredient for meal prep salads. When making this Lentil Quinoa Salad, feel free to customize it based on what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. The texture that the lentils provide alongside the quinoa and vegetables is simply wonderful. If you’re a lentil lover, you should also try my Mediterranean Lentil Salad or my Lentil and Beet Salad. And if you enjoy quinoa, I highly recommend my Greek Quinoa Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, or my Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad.

Why You Will Love This Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe

This Lentil Quinoa Salad is a simple recipe that utilizes wholesome and nourishing ingredients. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Protein Packed: The combination of lentils and quinoa provides a powerful source of plant-based protein that will keep you feeling full and energized. This makes it a great choice for lunch or dinner!
• Gluten-Free: Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain, making this salad suitable for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
• Excellent Leftovers: This salad holds up remarkably well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal-prep lunches, quick dinners, or as a side dish throughout the week. I enjoy adding a scoop to my Mediterranean Salmon Bowl or my Mediterranean Hummus Bowl for added protein and flavor.

Recipe Ingredients

For the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the full recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

• Quinoa: This light and fluffy whole grain provides a good source of plant-based, gluten-free protein and a slightly nutty flavor. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
• Lentils: French, black, or green lentils are the best choices for salads, as they maintain their shape after cooking. They add an earthy flavor, along with fiber and protein, making the salad more substantial.
• Vegetables: A mix of red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper provides a delightful crunch and adds a burst of color to the salad.
• Cheese: Creamy and salty crumbled feta cheese adds a delightful tang to the salad. If you prefer a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and fresh mint provide a bright and refreshing finish, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Dressing: A light and zesty lemon vinaigrette ties all the flavors together. I like to add a touch of sumac or za’atar to the dressing for an extra layer of complexity, but feel free to use your favorite spice blend. Adding lemon zest to the dressing enhances the citrus flavor.

Recipe Modifications

One of the best things about this Lentil Quinoa Salad is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

• Beans: Add chickpeas, white beans, or black beans for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
• Cheese: Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Grains: Replace the quinoa with brown rice, bulgur wheat, farro, sorghum, barley, or amaranth for a different texture and flavor.
• Herbs: Add other fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, or oregano, to complement the existing flavors.
• Vegetables: The possibilities are endless when it comes to vegetables! Consider adding zucchini, carrots, celery, radish, or mushrooms for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Greens: Bulk up the salad by adding arugula, kale, or spinach for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Olives: Incorporate kalamata olives, green olives, or black olives for a salty and briny flavor.
• Other Ingredients: Get creative with other additions, such as roasted red peppers, banana peppers, pickled red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. For a more tangy dressing, add a touch of Dijon mustard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Lentil Quinoa Salad is easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Step 1: Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. Step 2: Cook Lentils: Cook the lentils according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. Step 3: Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked lentils, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell peppers, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese (if using), chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Gently toss to combine.
4. Step 4: Create Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional spices of your choice (such as sumac, za’atar, or oregano). Mix well. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.

If you enjoy lentil recipes, be sure to check out my Lentil Bean Chili, Lebanese Lentil Soup, Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe, or my Sweet Potato Lentil Curry.

What to Serve with this Quinoa Lentil Salad

This Lentil Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

• Chicken: Serve it alongside Mediterranean Chicken, Grilled Chicken Thighs with Greek Marinade, or Chicken Souvlaki Recipe.
• Beef: Pair it with Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, Grilled Flank Steak with Dry Rub, or Beef Kafta Meatballs.
• Seafood: I especially love this light salad paired with seafood dishes like Baked Cod with Lemon, Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod, or Easy Pan Fried Fish.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Lentil Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You may need to add a bit more dressing before serving, as the salad tends to absorb the dressing over time.

Recipe FAQ