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Lentil Orzo Salad

Lentil Orzo Salad: 7 Reasons to Love This Healthy Dish


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  • Author: Fatina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Garnish and serve: Add fresh black pepper or pepper flakes and sprinkle with more herbs. Serve chilled or use in wraps.
  7. 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