Quinoa Lentil Salad with Zaatar

 

Quinoa called the “grain from antiquity” and the primary food of the ancient Incas of

South America is really not a grain at all! Quinoa is a seed related to the beet and

spinach family; and it is probably the most nutritious pseudo cereal one could consume!

Quinoa is high in fiber, iron and all eight essential amino acids; it is easy to prepare and

an extremely versatile gluten free substitute for virtually any grain based recipe! Quinoa

is absolutely delicious with a delicate nutty flavor and light fluffy texture.

My Quinoa Lentil Salad with Zaatar is a tabouli (tabbouleh) like salad starring this nutritious

“grain” and enhanced with high protein lentils, organic vegetables and Mediterranean

seasonings! A wonderful side dish, salad or vegetarian entrée packed with nutrition and

flavor; Quinoa Lentil Salad is not only good for you but tastes good too! Enjoy this

recipe time and again, it is versatile, gluten free and so easy to prepare!

 

1 cup Quinoa

2 cups water, salted

1 cup chopped fresh chives

2 cups cooked lentils( or 1 can lentils, drained)

5-6 baby bell peppers, red and yellow, sliced

1 seedless cucumber, chopped

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 bunch flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons Zaatar seasoning

Salt to taste

Dash of Aleppo pepper flakes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/8 cup sherry vinegar

In a medium sauce pan bring the salted water to a boil

Add quinoa, reduce to simmer and cook until all water is absorbed

Set aside

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the vegetables and lentils

Add the quinoa

Season with Zaatar, salt and Aleppo

Add the olive oil and vinegar, mix gently

Transfer to a serving bowl or platter

Enjoy at room temperature or refrigerate and serve chilled as a salad

A compliment to any grilled entrée

Just delicious! I like a crisp white wine with this dish