Make: Lentil Vegetable Couscous Salad

Need a new bring-to-work lunch idea? Try this easy recipe.

Real quick… let me start by saying that I do not take my lunch to work. I work from home. Therefore, most of my lunchtime is spent sitting at my kitchen table staring blankly at the outside of the fridge, then the cupboards, followed by another glance at the fridge before I gaze out the window. Next comes the wall, the tabletop and the dishes. My eyes skip from one place to another in hopes that some brilliant idea will spring forth in an inspiring aha moment. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. So I saunter over to the oven to make my good ol’ trusty sautéed veggies. I need help! (Also, am I alone in this?)

So here we are, me in my sad kitchen and you at work, spending money on prepared foods or eating a squished little sandwich.

Guys, let’s change this.

I’m sharing with you a perfect lunch recipe, super easy to make and easily packable. This lentil veggie couscous salad will keep you feeling full throughout your workday, won’t cause the dreaded mid-afternoon crash, and will even give you a little kick in the pants (read: energy) because of its high iron content. Lentils are a strong source of many nutrients and vitamins including folate (90% of your daily intake), iron, manganese (49% of your daily intake), phosphorus, thiamin, potassium and vitamin B6. And, one cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein! Lentils are also said to aid in heart function, fight fatigue and regulate digestion.

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Ingredients:

1 cup gluten free couscous
2 cups cooked green lentils
2 green onions, chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 lemon, juiced

Method:

Add the cooked couscous and cooked lentils to a large bowl.

To cook lentils: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the lentils and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Drain, rinse and let cool for 5 minutes.

Add the chopped vegetables and zest with 1/2 of a lemon’s juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

*For non-vegans, enjoy with feta cheese.

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+What is your go-to packed lunch? Please share with me — I need help!

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