Rethink your daily salad routine with these delicious grain salad recipes that will take your meals to the next level.
With numerous variations to choose from, you’ll never get bored of the same old options. Whether you’re looking for healthy work lunches, easy dinner ideas, or impressive holiday sides, these salads are a great choice for various occasions. One of the best things about grain salads is that they’re perfect for meal prep!
Summer Grain Salad
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious meal option to fuel your summer adventures, this grain salad is the perfect solution. Weighing in with an impressive balance of energy-boosting ingredients, it’s the ideal choice for busy days outdoors or whenever hunger strikes. What gives this salad its exceptional oomph is farro, a nutrient-rich grain packed with fiber that pairs perfectly with crunchy almonds and sweet dried apricots.
With this recipe, you can make a big batch to divide into containers, ensuring you’re always ready for a quick and satisfying meal.
Wholesome Grain Salad
Sometimes finding a healthy salad option for the winter months can be a challenge, especially when we’re craving something hearty and nourishing. That’s why this wholesome grain salad is an excellent choice, made with farro and quinoa as its base for added depth of flavor and texture. The addition of seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash and crunchy pomegranate seeds not only add a pop of color but also provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the dish.
To bring everything together, a light and refreshing sweet mustard dressing is used, making this salad a perfect option for those looking to stay healthy and fit during the colder months.
Apricot Bulgur Salad
Elevate your culinary experience with a vibrant blend of bulgur, apricot, and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious balance of nutty, fruity, and citrusy flavors. This refreshing salad boasts a delightful array of textures that will leave you wanting more. Whether paired with a protein or enjoyed as a standalone meal, its simplicity belies the depth of flavor it develops over time.
To unlock the full potential of this recipe, don’t hesitate to let the salad sit for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
Not only does Lebanese tabbouleh have an invigorating aroma and taste that will keep you hooked from the very first bite, but its combination of parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, and lemon juice is a perfect blend of fresh and healthy flavors. The traditional grain used in this salad is bulgur, however, I often like to experiment with other options such as quinoa or couscous, depending on what’s available in my pantry.
Super Green Grain Salad with Toasted Walnut Dressing
Nourish your body with this incredible super green grain salad, packed with an array of nutrient-dense ingredients including farro, broccoli, dates, scallions, and parsley. This power bowl is elevated by the creamy toasted walnut dressing, which provides a rich and velvety texture to each bite. For those looking for a vegan alternative, consider substituting Greek yogurt with tahini, creating a delicious and plant-based version of this recipe.
Cypriot Grain Salad
You’ll be amazed by the depth of flavor in this grain salad, which is packed into a single bowl with incredible ease. A simple bed of fluffy quinoa becomes a culinary sensation when paired with pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, capers, and currants, each ingredient elevating the dish to new heights. The addition of lentils provides an extra boost of protein, while the tangy Greek yogurt dressing ties everything together perfectly.
Favorite Quinoa Salad
Flipping through numerous quinoa salad recipes online can be overwhelming, especially if you’re looking for one that stands out from the rest. Fortunately, this recipe is a game-changer! Its ingredient list shares similarities with tabbouleh, but with some clever additions like chickpeas, cucumber, and red bell pepper. This delightful combination makes it an ideal choice when seeking a light and nutritious meal option.
Tomato, Zucchini, and Bulgur Salad
Here’s a simple yet refreshing recipe perfect for incorporating seasonal summer produce into your meals: the humble bulgur salad. With just a few ingredients like juicy tomatoes, crunchy zucchini, fragrant parsley, and a couple of oranges, you can easily create a delicious and healthy side dish or light lunch that never fails to impress, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a quick and easy meal.
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
Looking at traditional Mediterranean cuisine, it’s easy to see why it’s a go-to choice for those seeking healthy options. The five salad ingredients featured in this dish are exemplary of freshness and vitality. Not only do the individual components shine, but the dressing adds an extra layer of liveliness and vibrancy. Interestingly, if you’re looking to adapt the recipe for a vegan diet, simply omitting the feta cheese is enough.
However, I personally prefer to indulge in its creamy richness – so feel free to pile it on as much as you like!
Bulgur Salad with Cucumbers, Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Lemon & Dill
Among the numerous ways to revamp bulgur, one particular method stands out for its simplicity and flavor. This approach involves cooking the grain, then combining it with an assortment of fresh vegetables, garbanzo beans, and a zesty cumin dressing that adds a burst of citrusy flair. Cucumbers, red bell peppers, and onions form a harmonious trio, while cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and juiciness to the mix.
Barley Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Feta
Ready to indulge in something quick and easy? This wholesome barley salad recipe is the perfect choice when you’re craving a delicious meal without putting in too much effort. The best part about this dish is that it requires just a few simple ingredients to make a hearty and satisfying meal. With its short cooking time, you can have this tasty salad ready in no time. Quick-cooking barley takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Combine the cooked barley with crumbled feta cheese, toasted sunflower seeds, edamame, and garbanzo beans for a nutrient-packed dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a quick dinner solution, this wholesome barley salad is an excellent choice.
Rye and Carrot Salad
Navigating limited pantry options can be a challenge, especially when trying to whip up a tasty meal. Fortunately, this delicious carrot recipe requires only the essentials: onion, celery, and spices. To elevate it, simply add a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar for added depth of flavor.
Salmon Couscous Salad with Cucumbers, Herbs, and Feta Dressing
Taking advantage of the versatility of couscous, this recipe creates a well-rounded side dish that perfectly complements the delicate flavors of salmon. The refreshing combination of cucumbers, parsley, and dill pairs exquisitely with the freshness of the fish, while the light and fluffy texture of the mini couscous pearls provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the meal.
To add an extra layer of flavor, coat the salmon in a blend of aromatic za’atar herbs before serving it atop the colorful salad, all brought together by a drizzle of tangy sweet feta dressing.
Quick Cherry Quinoa Salad
What sets this grain salad apart from others is its rapid preparation time, largely due to the use of quinoa and raw ingredients. While the quinoa cooks on the stove for approximately 15 minutes, the other components are added in a simple toss at the end. The combination of juicy cherries, crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and fragrant rosemary creates a unique flavor profile that is both tart, sharp, and nutty – perfect for breaking up the monotony of a regular salad.
Favorite Greek Farro Salad
Characterized by its vibrant mix of Mediterranean flavors, this Greek farro salad is poised to become your go-to weekday staple. Drawing inspiration from the best of Greek cuisine, it incorporates a plethora of vegetables, rich olive oil, and crumbled feta cheese into its recipe. A homemade Greek dressing is an absolute must-have for this dish, as it brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
One of the greatest advantages of this salad is that you can customize it to your taste by mixing and matching various ingredients. Adding capers, kalamata olives, and fresh basil can add a delightful twist. But what truly sets this farro salad apart is its satisfying chewiness, making it both filling and scrumptious.
Wild Rice Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Elevate your mood on a dreary day with this vibrant salad that embodies the essence of fall flavors. The combination of sweet and tangy elements, courtesy of the orange vinaigrette, brings everything together in perfect harmony. Feel free to experiment with various dried fruits and nuts, as they add unique textures and flavors to the dish. Dried apricots, cherries, walnuts, or almonds can be paired to create a delightful combination that suits your taste.
It’s a versatile grain salad, allowing for plenty of room to get creative and make it your own.
Wild Rice Salad with Mushrooms and Herbs
Feel like something comforting and flavorful? Then this wild rice salad is just what you need. Featuring nutty wild rice as its base, it’s complemented by an assortment of earthy cremini mushrooms and crunchy roasted hazelnuts, all tied together with fresh herbs. For a delightful contrast, add a sprinkle of dried cranberries to give the dish a tangy kick. By eschewing a dressing, the ingredients can take center stage and shine on their own, creating a truly satisfying taste experience.
Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Yearning for a dish that embodies the essence of winter or fall, this fabulous recipe is a perfect fit. With its blend of seasonal ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for the holiday table, evoking warmth and coziness with every serving. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a great option for those who want to impress without much fuss.
I recommend taking the extra step of toasting the pecans to bring out their full depth of flavor, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some orange zest for an added burst of citrusy goodness. If you’re running low on wild rice, farro or quinoa can be a suitable substitute, allowing you to still enjoy the dish’s hearty and satisfying charm.
Quinoa, Asparagus, and Feta Salad
Often, a simple salad can be a breath of fresh air on a warm day. Asparagus, tomatoes, and peas are a classic combination that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of quinoa. To take this salad to the next level, add some fragrant herbs like mint, cilantro, or parsley to give it an extra boost of freshness. The salty tang of feta cheese is also a great addition, but feel free to omit it if you’re watching your sodium intake.
For added protein and satisfaction, consider tossing in some chickpeas – they’re especially delicious when mixed with the sweetness of the peas.
Warm Farro Salad with Sweet Potato and Kale
When it comes to satisfying your hunger with a delicious and healthy meal, this hearty salad is definitely worth trying out. It’s a clever combination of chewy farro, tender sweet potato, and roasted kale that will leave you feeling full and happy. The addition of paprika and chili pepper flakes gives the dish a welcome hint of spice.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
