A Perfect Healthy Lunch

I have always been a pretty healthy eater who strives for balance. If you work out on a regular basis and eat healthy over all then you don't have to give up the occasional pasta or the glass of wine! While trying to loose these last ten pounds of baby weight I had to start being a little more strict with my diet so I found a recipe for a lentil salad which I changed up quite a bit and not only is it healthy, its delicious.

1 cup lentilles du Puy* (French green lentils) or brown lentils

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar  

1 1/4 cups water

1 cup quinoa

1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil 

2 large garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves

2 cups vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved

In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well. Transfer hot lentils to a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Cool lentils completely, stirring occasionally.

Make quinoa (follow directions on your package)

In a small bowl whisk together garlic paste, remaining 2 tlb champagne tablespoons vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir lentils and quinoa into dressing. Chill salad, covered, at least 2 hours then stir in mint and tomatoes.

* you can also add poached salmon 

Enjoy,

Jamielyn xoxo