Mediterranean Lentil Quinoa Salad

I don’t think I’ve ever told y’all this:  I have a crazy undying love called kalamata olives.  It’s basically out of control, and I love it.

With that in mind, I now dedicate this totally classy and (albeit silent) well-performed cover of “My Endless Love” to kalamata olives.  In all of their briny salty deliciousness:

 

My love, there’s only you in my life,
The only thing that’s right.
My first love, you’re every breath that I take,
You’re every step I make.
And I, I want to share, all my love with you,
No one else will do.
And your eyes, they tell me how much you care.
Oh yes, you will always be, my endless love.

Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one.
Our lives have just begun.
Forever, I’ll hold you close in my arms,
I can’t resist your charm.
My love, I’ll be a fool, for you I’m sure,
You know I don’t mind.
Cause you, you mean the world to me.
Oh, I know I’ve found in you, my endless love.

And love, I’ll be that fool, for you, I’m sure.
You know I don’t mind.
And yes, you’ll be the only one.
Cause no one can deny,
This love I have its fine.
I’ll give it all to you,
My love, my love, my endless love.

Let’s just say that it’s a good thing y’all haven’t heard me singing that.  Wes likes it; I’m not so sure I’d have any readers left if anyone else laid ears on that rendition!

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL QUINOA SALAD

• 1 1/2 cups lentils, cooked
• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, cooked
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (you know, if you’re feelin’ feisty)

For the dressing:

• juice of 1 lemon (about 1-2 Tbsp)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Once all of the lentils and quinoa are cooked toss everything together in a large bowl.  Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing and pour over the lentil/quinoa mixture.  Adjust seasonings as desired.  Serve either at room temperature or cold.

This grain salad is delicious and filling and has TONS of flavor!  Not to mention when you’re an addict like me and you kind of, well, add more olives.  Because soon enough I might as well just brine myself and call it a day 🙂