Lentil Grain Bowl (Print Version)
Protein-packed lentils and wholesome grains with fresh veggies and a zesty herbed dressing for a satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains and Lentils
01 - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice or farro)
02 - 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale
06 - 1 large carrot, shredded
07 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
→ Lemon Herb Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
13 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
14 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Toppings
15 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
16 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill
# How to Make It:
01 - Prepare the quinoa and lentils according to package directions if not using pre-cooked. Let cool slightly until warm or at room temperature.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
03 - Divide the cooked grains evenly among 4 serving bowls as the base. Layer each with lentils, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, spinach or kale, shredded carrot, and sliced red onion.
04 - Drizzle the herbed lemon dressing over each bowl. Top with crumbled feta cheese, toasted seeds, fresh herbs, and sliced avocado if desired.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days for a chilled grain bowl. For meal prep, store components separately and combine just before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It is the kind of meal that makes you feel virtuous without sacrificing a single ounce of flavor.
- Everything can be prepped ahead, which means weeknight dinners come together in under ten minutes.
02 -
- Do not dress the bowls if you are storing them because the greens will collapse into a sad wet mess overnight.
- Toasting the seeds in a dry pan for two minutes transforms them from forgettable to the thing people ask you about.
03 -
- Season the lentil cooking water like broth and your lentils will carry flavor into every bite instead of tasting like afterthoughts.
- Make double the dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge because you will want to drizzle it on everything else you cook all week.