One-Pot Sweet & Gently Spiced Quinoa Lentil Salad
This salad brings together fluffy quinoa, tender lentils, subtle spices like cinnamon and cumin, and pops of sweetness from dried fruit. Everything cooks in one pot, making it weeknight-easy and wonderfully wholesome. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and fits beautifully into a modern Mediterranean lifestyle.
⏱ Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
Base
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
¾ cup red lentils (or brown lentils*, see note)
2½ cups vegetable broth or water
Sweet & Gentle Spices
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Flavor Builders
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Sweet & Fresh Finish
⅓ cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
Optional Mediterranean Add-ins
¼ cup toasted almonds or pistachios
¼ cup crumbled feta (optional, added at serving)
*If using brown lentils, increase liquid to 3 cups and cook 10 minutes longer.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Stir in cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and nutmeg.
Cook for 20–30 seconds to release aroma (do not brown).
Step 3: One-Pot Cook
Add rinsed quinoa, lentils, and broth.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender.
Step 4: Sweet Finish
Turn off heat. Stir in dried fruit, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Cover and let rest 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
Fold in fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Top with nuts or feta if using.
✅ Tips for Best Results
Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness
Keep spices gentle—this recipe is warm, not hot
For extra moisture, drizzle a little olive oil before serving
Tastes even better after resting 30 minutes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I meal-prep this salad?
Yes. Keeps well refrigerated for 4–5 days. Great warm or cold.
Is this salad spicy?
No. It uses sweet, aromatic spices only—no chili or heat.
Can I make it vegan?
It’s naturally vegan. Skip feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Add diced carrots or sweet potato with the quinoa for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 8 g
Iron: ~20% DV