Description
A vibrant Lentil Orzo Salad combining lentils and orzo with veggies and zesty dressing, perfect for summer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can canned lentils (drained)
- 1 cup cooked orzo (or farro for nuttier flavor)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup chopped roasted red pepper
- 1 cup chopped tomato (or halved cherry tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (red or white)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley (your choice of herb)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 clove minced garlic (can be roasted)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if available)
- to taste black pepper or pepper flakes (for topping)
- to taste cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lentils until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the orzo: In a separate pot, boil water and cook the orzo according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and let it cool.
- Chop the veggies: While the lentils and orzo cool, chop your cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, onion, and cilantro or parsley. Add all of these ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, chipotle pepper flakes, cumin, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Whisk until well blended.
- Combine the salad: Pour the dressing over your bowl of veggies, lentils, and orzo. Toss everything together gently until well-coated. Taste and adjust salt and flavors as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Add fresh black pepper or pepper flakes and sprinkle with more herbs. Serve chilled or use in wraps.
- Make ahead: Store salad ingredients and dressing separately until serving for freshness.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
