Lentil Salad and Couscous Salad

Lentil Salad

1 cup dry lentils

1/2 cup sliced green onions, green and white parts

1 large tomato, diced

1 can olives, rinse, drain and slice

1 small bell pepper, chopped or diced

1 can black beans, rinse and drained

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped finely

juice of 1 lime

salt and pepper to taste

avocado oil to drizzle

1/2 cup feta cheese (if desired)

Note:  I didn't measure things out when I made this salad, these are approx. measurements I used.  Please vary according to your taste.  

Cook the lentils following directions on package until done.  Rinse and drain and put into a large bowl.  Mix all ingredients and drizzle enough oil to moisten.  I used approx. 2 Tbsp or so, I personally don't like dry salads, I like them more on the moist side without being too wet.  Add feta cheese or serve on the side.

Variations:  I used a package of mixed lentils.  You can use whatever lentils you like.  If you don't like cilantro, use flat leaf Italian parsley instead.  You can substitute Greek olives in place of the regular kind.  You can also change the black beans to another type such as kidney beans or Cannellini. 

Couscous Salad

1 cup dry couscous, cook this following the package instructions.

1/4 cup sliced green onions, green and white parts

1 large tomato diced

1 can sweet corn, rinsed and drained 

1 small bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cucumber, diced 

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped finely

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup slivered almonds (sliced, or another nut will work, such as chopped walnuts)

salt and pepper to taste

juice of 1 large lemon

basil infused olive oil to drizzle (or reg. olive oil or avocado oil)

Note:  Same applies to this one, I didn't measure things out when I made this salad, these are approx. measurements I used.  Please vary according to your taste. 

Cook the couscous and allow to cool while you chop everything up.  Mix together all ingredients and moisten with the lemon juice and oil.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Same as variations above apply to this as well.

Options;  I thought chopped apple or chopped artichoke hearts would work well with the couscous salad, too.