Quick-cooking red lentils and bulgur team up to make this hearty fiber-rich salad. Tart lemon juice plays against the sweet flavors of dried fruits, mint and cinnamon for a distinctive Middle Eastern flair; serve alongside grilled lamb or chicken.

Makes 6 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup bulgur
1/2 cup red lentils (see Note), rinsed and picked over
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

1. Bring water, cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan; stir in bulgur, remove from the heat, cover the pan and set aside until the water has been absorbed, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine lentils and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan; add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer and cook until the lentils are just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, pressing firmly to remove excess water.
3. Toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
4. Add lentils, dates, apricots, parsley, mint, oil, lemon juice and zest, and half the pine nuts to the bulgur. Toss well. Sprinkle the remaining pine nuts on top.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 285 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrate; 8 g protein; 9 g fiber; 209 mg sodium; 315 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Fiber (37% daily value), Vitamin C (25% dv), Iron (20% dv).

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 very lean meat, 1 fat (mono).
2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: Ingredient Note: Red lentils are a useful addition to your pantry because they cook in just 10 to 15 minutes. They are excellent in soups, salads and vegetarian stews. You can find them in the natural-foods section of your supermarket or through online sources.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.