Description
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining lentils and orzo, perfect for summer picnics and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz can of lentils (drained) or 1.5 cups cooked lentils
- 1.5 cups cooked orzo (or farro)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- ½ cup chopped roasted red pepper
- ½ cup chopped tomato
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- Additional black pepper or pepper flakes
- Additional cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Rinse dried lentils and cook according to package instructions (30-35 minutes until tender). If using canned lentils, drain and rinse.
- Cook the Orzo: Boil water and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop the Veggies: While lentils and orzo are cooking, chop cucumber, roasted red peppers, tomato, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked lentils, orzo, and chopped veggies gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chipotle pepper flakes, cumin, garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine. Taste-test and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh black pepper and additional herbs before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy as a salad, in wraps, or as a light centerpiece.
Notes
Let the salad rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil salad, summer salad, healthy salad, orzo, vegan recipe
