Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad
A nutrient-packed salad blending eight spices for depth and warmth, with tender lentils and fluffy quinoa tossed in a citrus vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout ready in about 45 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 230 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small, finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry green lentils and place in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20-22 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy; drain any excess water.
- Step 2: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy; fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp salt until well combined and fragrant.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, cooked quinoa, 1 small finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint.
- Step 5: Pour the spiced lemon vinaigrette over the lentil and quinoa mixture; toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad?
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 Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad?
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 Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Octonary Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad?
Mediterranean summer cookout 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.
