Quinoa and Lentil Salad with Lemon-Thyme Dressing

This quinoa and lentil salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that can be served warm or cold. The quinoa and lentils provide protein and fiber, while the red onion, bell pepper, parsley, and thyme add sweetness, crunch, and freshness. The lemon-thyme dressing is light and refreshing, and it ties all the flavors together perfectly.

This recipe was inspired by a trip I took to the Middle East. I was particularly impressed by the delicious salads that were served at every meal. One day, I stopped at a small café in a bustling market and ordered a salad that was made with quinoa, lentils, red onion, bell pepper, parsley, thyme, and a lemony dressing. The salad was so good that I asked the chef for the recipe. He was kind enough to share it with me, and I've been making it ever since.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine the quinoa, lentils, and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa and lentils are tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
2. Fluff the quinoa and lentils with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Add the red onion, bell pepper, parsley, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of quinoa and lentils provides a good balance of protein and fiber.
• The red onion, bell pepper, parsley, and thyme add sweetness, crunch, and freshness to the salad.
• The lemon-thyme dressing is light and refreshing, and it ties all the flavors together perfectly.