This isn’t really a recipe, just more of an idea. A yummy one.
A couple or three or six years back, I made myself a New Year’s resolution to eat more whole grains. On some days, like this one, I feel masterful at this. Many other days, I pull out a head of romaine and sludge through another green salad (no hate here … just … you know). And then there are the days I prefer to only think about salad, and then eat bread instead.
But, this grain salad idea is a good one. It’s hearty enough, with the right additions, to be a main course if you so please, but can also be a lovely sidekick.
Briefly, I will digress to offer appreciation for all four seasons. Though I recognize how year-round sun and mild temperatures is appealing to many, I very sincerely love the change. Just when I grow weary of one season, there are signs of the next. This, I love.
And so, part of today’s idea is an offering of what this might look like when the seasons turn and our tongues want a change, too. I hope you will enjoy.
Base
- A hearty whole grain, cooked according to package directions and slightly cooled : bulgar, farro, couscous, brown rice, quinoa
- Nuts or seeds, toasted: walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds, pepitas, sunflower kernels
- A light dressing, drizzled over top and mixed in, adjusted to taste: lemon juice and olive oil, salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs
Summer Add-Ins: tomatoes, celery, green onion, corn (grilled and taken off the cob), avocado, dill, basil, and walnuts or sunflower kernels
Autumn Add-Ins: butternut squash or sweet potato (roasted and cubed), red onion, spinach or kale, apples, dried cranberries, thyme, and pecans or pepitas
Winter Add-Ins: red potatoes (roasted and cubed), leeks, shaved brussels, dried cherries or pomegranate seeds, rosemary, and pistachios
Spring Add-Ins: asparagus (boiled or roasted, then chopped), peas, radishes, parsley, dill, and almonds
If you wanted to make this into a stand-alone lunch or dinner, you could add in a protein:
- Bacon or prosciutto
- Ground Italian sausage
- Rotisserie chicken
- Salmon or tuna
Other Riffs:
- Make this a Waldorf grain salad: apples, celery, raisins, walnuts
- Make this a BLT grain salad: bacon, chopped kale, tomato
- Make this a Caprese grain salad: fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, balsamic drizzle
- Make this a Nicoise grain salad: hard-boiled eggs, tuna, green beans, yellow potato, olives
- Make this a Greek grain salad: cucumber, tomato, olives, bell peppers, Feta, mint
- Make this a sweet breakfast bowl: warm leftover plain grains with a touch of milk or cream, stir in cinnamon or cardamom, honey or brown sugar, raisins, pecans, fresh berries
Season’s eatings, my friends.
