Summer Grain Salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

This summer grain salad is full of fresh vegetables and herbs. Whole grains provide a satisfying, chewy texture to this salad, while the vegetables give it great crunch. It is dressed with an easy, flavorful red wine vinaigrette. This salad is naturally vegan, so it is perfect for those who eat a plant-based diet.

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Perfect for summer picnics, beach days or weekday lunches, this healthy grain salad will leave you feeling satisfied.

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Summer Grain Salad

Hearty salads with healthy grains and vegetables fill you up and give you fuel for the day. This fresh and light salad is dressed with a simple vinaigrette and is naturally vegan.

Spring and summer see an abundance of fresh produce. This is a great way to get more vegetables into your diet, or to use what you might have growing in your garden.

Ingredients

You might have many of these things in your kitchen right now. You can always swap out ingredients for items you already have.

• Quinoa – Naturally gluten-free and a great source of protein.
• Barley – Great source of fiber and protein.
• Farro – Delicious, nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Parsley – Flat leaf Italian parsley, it is the unsung hero of herbs.
• Chives – Mild onion flavor.
• Dill – You could substitute with fresh thyme, if you don’t like dill.
• Tomatoes – Use whatever tomatoes you like. I’m fortunate to grow most of mine, so that’s what I use.
• Carrots – I buy rainbow carrots to get more color into this summer grain salad.
• Cucumber – Hothouse or English cucumbers are my favorites.
• Bell peppers – Red, orange and/or yellow are perfect.
• Red wine vinegar – provides some zing to our salad.
• Olive oil – I really like this arbequina olive oil, but use what you like.

How to make it

First, cook the grains and set them aside to cool. They need to be completely cooled before adding to the vegetables and herbs, otherwise the herbs will wilt.

This can be done a day or two ahead of time. If you like to batch cook, you can cook all of the grains and store some in the freezer for later.

While the grains are cooking, chop the herbs and vegetables. Add them to a large mixing bowl, and set aside until you are ready to mix the salad.

When the grains have cooled, mix them with the vinaigrette, then gently fold in the vegetables and herbs until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

What you’ll need to make this recipe

First, you’ll need a large cutting board. I like to have plenty of room to work instead of trying to chop on a small surface.

Next, you’ll need a sharp knife. I love my Wüsthof Chef’s knife, it’s been my go-to knife for over 20 years.

You’ll also need a couple of good-sized mixing bowls, a pot or two to cook the grains, and a colander to drain them. Just the basics!

Tips and tricks for success

The grains and vegetables change every so often, giving the salad plenty of variations. Try grains that are unfamiliar to you, you might just find your new favorite thing!

Grain salads for summer

• Mediterranean couscous salad
• Freekeh salad with fruits and nuts
• Mediterranean quinoa salad
• Mango lime quinoa with black beans
• Tabbouleh

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Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

Originally published 5/29/16, most recent update 4/28/22.

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