Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad

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

A protein-rich salad with earthy lentils, fluffy quinoa, and zesty spices, perfect for meal prep. This general-inspired salads (vegan, high-protein) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cooked brown lentils, cooked quinoa, medium, diced cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 20 min Serves 4 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked brown lentils, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 diced medium cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve at room temperature or chilled. Adjust salt if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 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 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 cooked brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad 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 Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Salad vegan?

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

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