Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A protein-packed grain salad featuring earthy lentils, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant seasonal vegetables in a bright lemon-dill vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends cooked quinoa, cooked green lentils, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cooked green lentils
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup cooked green lentils, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup diced cucumber to the dressing, then toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, then let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
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 Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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.
What goes well with Harvest Grain & Lentil Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
