MEDITERRANEAN GRAIN SALAD

MEDITERRANEAN GRAIN SALAD

1 servings
Right now, throughout most parts of the United States, it’s the dead of summer, and we’ve been going through a heat wave. Here in the Midwest, we’ve not only had temperatures soaring near 100 degrees, but it’s also been incredibly, miserably humid. If you live near here, then you know what I’m talking about. It’s that feeling that when you open your door that someone hit you with a wet blanket.Needless to say, I don’t like to cook a lot in this weather, so I’ve been relying quite a bit on salads, cans of tuna, and dishes that use up leftovers I scrounge up in the fridge. Most of these are passable, with the occasional standout, and every once in awhile I make something that leads me to asking myself what I was thinking. The one I’m sharing this week is one of the standouts.I love a good salad, especially on a hot day, and one of my favorite types is a grain salad like this one. I had a mixture of quinoa and wild rice from a previous meal, and I then searched for something to go with it. A stray cucumber, some cherry tomatoes, and feta were the perfect accompaniment. For protein, I added a can of chickpeas, but you could easily add leftover chicken or shrimp. Some olives added a savory note, so now all I needed was a dressing, which is where this recipe shines.For the dressing, I tried avocado oil instead of the usual go-to olive oil, and it was fantastic. I wanted to keep it simple, but flavorful, so I just added the juice and zest of a lemon, some mustard and a clove of garlic. It really brought the flavors of the salad together, and added brightness to the saltiness of the other ingredients.This is one of those meals that comes together quickly, tastes amazing, and is filling and nutritious. Add these to the fact that I didn’t have to turn my house into a sauna to make it, and it’s going on my favorite recipe list for sure!

Ingredients

  • cooked grains of your choice

    such as wild rice, quinoa, or farro, chilled

    2 c
  • cherry tomatoes

    halved

    1 pint
  • chickpeas

    drained

    1 can
  • cucumber

    diced

    1
  • sliced and pitted kalamata olives
    ½ c
  • crumbled feta cheese
    3 oz
  • fresh chopped parsley
    ¼ c
  • nbsp;ajk extra-virgin avocado oil
    ½ c
  • juice and zest of
    1
  • apple cider vinegar
    1 tsp
  • dijon mustard
    1 tsp
  • garlic

    minced

    1 clove
  • colima sea salt and fresh ground pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Put all of the salad ingredients into a large bowl and toss well.

  2. 2

    Put the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake until well combined. Toss with the salad before serving.

  3. 3

    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.

MEDITERRANEAN GRAIN SALAD

MEDITERRANEAN GRAIN SALAD

1 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that keeps your kitchen cool even on the hottest days? This Mediterranean Grain Salad is your perfect answer, delivering a burst of fresh flavors without ever needing to turn on the stove. It's a true standout for anyone seeking a refreshing, no-fuss meal.

Why This Salad Works

The secret to this salad's bright, harmonious flavor lies in its unique dressing, which forgoes traditional olive oil for the richness of avocado oil, expertly balanced with the zesty kick of lemon (juice and zest), a hint of Dijon mustard, and pungent garlic. This combination elevates simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish, creating a dressing that ties all the Mediterranean elements together beautifully. It's a smart choice for those seeking a light yet flavorful option.

What to Expect

Prepare for a delightful medley of textures and tastes. You'll find the hearty chew of your chosen grains—be it wild rice, quinoa, or farro—perfectly complemented by the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, the crisp coolness of diced cucumber, and the briny savoriness of Kalamata olives. Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty counterpoint, while chickpeas bring satisfying substance and protein.

Each forkful is a refreshing journey, brightened by fresh parsley and the vibrant lemon-garlic dressing. This is a truly filling and nutritious meal that feels light and invigorating, making it an ideal choice when you want something substantial without feeling heavy.

Customization & Variations

This Mediterranean Grain Salad is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. For added protein, you can easily incorporate leftover chicken or shrimp. If you're out of chickpeas, white beans make a fine substitute. Experiment with different cooked grains like bulgur or couscous, or swap parsley for fresh mint for a different aromatic twist.

Serving & Context

This salad is ideal for a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or as a beautiful side dish for a summer barbecue. It's also a fantastic option for meal prep, as the flavors meld and deepen over time. Serve it chilled, perhaps alongside some grilled pita bread, for a complete and effortless meal.

Frequently Asked Questions