Black Lentil and Couscous Salad: My New Go-To Lunch

Hey everyone! I have to share this recipe with you because it’s been on heavy rotation in my kitchen lately. I stumbled upon the combination one Tuesday afternoon when my fridge was looking a little sparse. You know those days? I had some leftover black lentils, half an orange, and a box of couscous staring back at me. What resulted was this incredibly satisfying, throw-everything-together salad that’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or a speedy side dish. It’s hearty, fresh, and packed with textures and flavors that just work.

The Magic is in the Dressing

I know it's tempting to just pour some bottled vinaigrette over a salad and call it a day, but trust me on this one—making the dressing is worth the extra minute. It’s the real star of the show. Here’s what you do: simply grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid and whisk together some good olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, a big drizzle of honey, and the zest and juice of a fresh orange. The orange is key! It makes the dressing so bright and just a little bit sweet. Once it’s all emulsified, just set it aside for a bit to let the flavors get to know each other.

Bringing It All Together

While the dressing is mingling, grab your largest mixing bowl. This is where the main event happens. Toss in your cooked and cooled black lentils and couscous. Then, add whatever else you have on hand or love. I always go for chopped red onion for a bit of a bite, a big handful of chopped fresh parsley for that herbaceous kick, and some toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch. Maybe even some crumbled feta if I'm feeling fancy. Mix it all until it’s well incorporated.

Why You'll Love It

• Sight: It’s a beautiful mess of deep black lentils, fluffy golden couscous, and vibrant green herbs.
• Smell: The scent of the fresh orange zest in the dressing is absolutely irresistible.
• Touch: You get this wonderful combination of textures—the firm lentils, the soft couscous, and the crunchy nuts.
• Taste: Every forkful is a perfect balance: earthy, tangy, slightly sweet, and savory all at once.

All that's left to do is drizzle that gorgeous dressing you made right on top, give everything a really good toss so every ingredient gets coated, and you're done. It’s seriously that easy. This salad is fantastic served right away, but I actually think it’s even better after it’s sat in the fridge for an hour or so. The couscous soaks up the dressing and the flavors deepen. I hope it becomes a quick favorite in your home, too!