Making the Quinoa Lentil Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette involves simple steps that anyone can follow:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water to remove any bitterness.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. In another saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and lentils. Add the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
7. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
8. Refrigerate: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Following these straightforward steps ensures that your Quinoa Lentil Salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a dish everyone will love.