Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a fresh, healthy, and delightfully flavorful salad to brighten up your meal rotation, then this one’s for you! I’m excited to share my absolutely fan-freaking-tastic Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Whether you want a quick lunch, a nutritious side, or a dish to impress guests, you’ll find this recipe hits all the right notes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe come together beautifully to balance freshness, texture, and earthiness. I always recommend using fresh herbs and ripe veggies if you can—they truly elevate the dish and keep it light yet satisfying.

• French du Puy lentils: These small, peppery lentils hold their shape well, so your salad won’t get mushy.
• Quinoa: Adds a nutty flavor and a wonderful fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with lentils.
• Cherry tomatoes: Use sweet, ripe ones for bursts of juicy freshness.
• Zucchini: Cubed zucchini brings a gentle crunch and a bit of earthiness—great raw or lightly tossed.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Kalamata olives: Salty, briny, and bold—these olives pack a punch that gives this salad its signature Greek note.
• Fresh oregano: If you can find it fresh, it’s a game-changer in flavor here compared to dried.
• Salt & black pepper: Season well to bring all the flavors alive.
• Lemon juice: Gives a lovely brightness and balances the heartiness of the lentils and quinoa.
• Extra virgin olive oil: I go for a fruity, peppery variety to enrich the dressing beautifully.

Variations

When I first tried this Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe, I kept it classic, but over time I’ve added my own spins. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs—it’s very forgiving and delicious no matter what.

• Add feta cheese: My family goes crazy for the creamy, salty flavor feta adds—perfect if you want a more indulgent salad.
• Swap zucchini for cucumber: In summer, I sometimes swap cubed zucchini for crisp cucumber to amp up the refreshing crunch.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly but skipping cheese keeps it plant-based and light.
• Add fresh herbs: I like tossing in mint or parsley alongside oregano for extra freshness and complexity.

How to Make Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the lentils to tender perfection

Start by rinsing and draining the French du Puy lentils. I’ve found these lentils keep their shape best and don’t turn mushy like others might. Put them in a saucepan, cover with 2 inches of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes until tender—but not falling apart. Drain and let them cool. This step sets the foundation for a perfect salad texture.

Step 2: Cook the quinoa with care

While your lentils are simmering, rinse your quinoa well under cold water to get rid of that natural bitterness. Transfer it to a small pot, add 1 cup of water, and bring to boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed—about 12 minutes. Then take it off the heat but keep the lid on for another few minutes to steam it perfectly fluffy. Finally, fluff with a fork. This method really helps prevent clumps.

Step 3: Combine and toss with fresh veggies

After letting both the lentils and quinoa cool enough to handle, toss them in a bowl with your halved cherry tomatoes, cubed zucchini, finely chopped red onion, and pitted Kalamata olives. The contrasting colors alone make this salad look so appetizing—you’ll want to snap a picture before you even taste it.

Step 4: Whisk the zesty lemon-oregano dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together chopped fresh oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. The lemon juice adds that bright zing, while the oregano gives it authentic Greek flair. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. You’ll love how the flavors meld together right before your eyes.

How to Serve Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a few extra whole Kalamata olives because it adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh veggies. A dash of cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving really make it shine.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, but this salad is also fantastic alongside pita bread and hummus. For a vegetarian feast, try serving it with warm roasted vegetables or stuffed grape leaves for an authentic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe in individual clear glasses or small bowls layered with dollops of tzatziki sauce on the side. It makes for such a pretty presentation, and guests love scooping their perfect bite of salad and creamy topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad actually tastes great the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together, though I do recommend adding any fresh herbs or dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and olive oil, I don’t recommend freezing this Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe—it tends to lose its texture and freshness. Fresh is definitely best here!

Reheating

If you want a warm serving, I gently reheat the lentils and quinoa separately then toss with fresh veggies and dressing just before eating. This helps keep the salad from becoming too soggy or losing its lively texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Greek Lentil Quinoa Salad Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, packed with wholesome goodness, and bursting with vibrant flavors that never get old. If you try it—even once—I have a feeling it’ll become a regular in your kitchen, too. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy a little taste of Mediterranean sunshine anytime you want!

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