Simple Lentil Harvest Grain Salad
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This Simple Lentil Harvest Grain Salad is a versatile dish that can be a lovely addition to your summer picnic, a quick and simple weeknight side dish or main entree, or a protein-packed lunch.
This recipe is convenient for busy moms as it can be assembled quickly, served warm or cold, and it can be prepared ahead of time (aka. during nap time and it will leave you with time to spare!). Another wonderful thing about this Simple Lentil Harvest Grain Salad is that it makes A LOT. This means LESS cook time for you and MORE healthy food that is ready to go for you and your family!
I always try to make enough dinner so that Drew and I have leftovers for lunch the next day. It is such a time and money saver! It also helps make our mornings less chaotic and ensures that we have a healthy lunch, versus a pre-made frozen meal that we grab while rushing out the door. I also love that it is a light recipe, but high in protein so my stomach feels satisfied and body feels energized afterward. Drew describes it as “fresh, light, and flavorful.”
My Grandma Rosie was my inspiration for this recipe. She recently messaged me a picture of a can of pre-cooked lentils and asked me for advice on what else to mix with it and the Harvest Grain Blend from Trader Joe’s.
I suggested that she mix the lentils and Harvest Grain Blend with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, leeks, and feta. I decided to try to make it as well. If you haven’t tried the Harvest Grain Blend from Trader Joe’s, you NEED to! It is so good. It is a blend of Israeli-style couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. If you don’t have any on hand, or if you sadly do not have a Trader Joe’s near you, you can substitute the blend with farro, barley, couscous, or quinoa.
How to Make Simple Lentil Harvest Grain Salad
This recipe is SOOOO simple and easy to make! Just make the Harvest Grain Blend according to the package directions. This takes roughly 12 minutes total. The package directions say to make half the bag. This makes about 1 ½ cups, however, you only need to use 1 cup for this recipe. While you’re cooking your grains, saute the leeks in some olive oil for 1-2 minutes, and then add your lentils to heat them (if you want to serve this dish warm). Mix the leeks and lentils in a large bowl with the remaining ingredients. When your grains are done cooking, add them to the lentil mixture, stir to combine, and you’re all done!
I am able to make this recipe from start to finish in 22 minutes (that was with several interruptions from my husband). It can be done in advance while your kids are napping and you may even have time to wash the dishes!
Okay, now stop reading this and hurry up and go make this Simple Lentil Harvest Grain Salad before your kids wake up! 😉
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Lentil Harvest Grain Salad
Ingredients
- ½ package Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Blend, makes 1 ½ cups cooked, but you only need 1 cup – if using different grain, make 1 cup
- 8 ounces pre-cooked lentils, I use Trader Joe’s lentils
- 3 small leeks diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 5 ounces feta cheese
- 1 lemon juiced
- ⅛ cup olive oil + 1 teaspoon for sautéing leeks
- 1 tablespoon red wine or white balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup chopped basil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Lemon pepper or black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make Harvest Grain Blend according to package instructions (takes about 12 minutes).
- While you’re cooking your grains, sauté the leeks in some olive oil for 1-2 minutes and then add your lentils to heat them (if you want to serve this dish warm).
- Once heated, transfer leeks and lentils to a large bowl.
- Mix in remaining ingredients.
- When your grains are done cooking, add them to the lentil mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve warm or cool.