Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing lentil and quinoa salad tossed in a bright citrus vinaigrette, designed to support mental wellness with wholesome ingredients. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs dry green lentils, quinoa, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry green lentils and 1/2 cup quinoa separately under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In another saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and quinoa with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Chill for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dry green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Behavioral Health-Inspired Lentil and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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