Seven spring inspired grain salad recipes
As the warmer weather starts creeping in, we start to crave those beautiful salads that are adorned with fresh leafy ingredients, zinging with flavour and crunch. Hello, grain salads!
The options are endless when it comes to making a grain salad. The key elements you may wish to include when constructing your salad is the grain (stating the obvious here), paired with vegetables, flavour add-ons (think: nuts, seeds, herbs), a source of protein, and a dressing (Mount Zero’s range of extra virgin olive oils or verjus do just the trick).
With a commitment to flavour, sustainable farming and a passion for quality ingredients, Mount Zero’s range of grains make the perfect base for a salad – no matter the season.
Here are some of our versatile grain salads that we are loving this spring.
Ancient grain salad with cumin, yoghurt and honey dressing
Fresh, simple and delicious – we love to see it! This ancient grain salad incorporates both freekeh and french green lentils, mixed with a range of nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs. Topped with a zingy dressing to cut through and bring it all to life. How easy, yet so delicious.
Mixed grain, poached chicken and broad bean salad
Wanting to throw together an epic salad, packed with nutritious grains, protein and greens, but short for time? Have a crack at Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s mixed grain salad with beautifully poached chicken and fresh broad beans. Incorporating pearled barley, cracked freekeh, and quinoa, not only is it great for the gut (such versatility), but it is also extra tasty. This gorgeous salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for that Friday night dinner party or work lunches for the week.
View the full recipe.
Cypriot grain salad
Crafted by the chef’s from Hellenic Republic, this recipe is a modern version of a dish created by George Calombaris’s mother, Mary. Compiled with loads of fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and of course the stars of the show – Mount Zero freekeh and beluga black lentils, it is the ultimate salad to serve on a warm spring day. Voted as one of the favourites among Hellenic Republic’s customers, and one of the most downloaded recipes on the Good Food website, give this recipe a go. You won’t be disappointed!
Char-grilled corn, zucchini and farro salad with miso dressing
Another epic grain salad recipe by Melbourne-based cook, Julia Busuttil Nishimura. With its nutty properties and chewy texture, Farro is the true star of this summery salad dish. All that is required is combining your cooked farro with the char-grilled corn, fried zucchini, mint, parsley, and lightly toasted pistachios. Top the salad with the miso dressing and voilà. Ready for the best part? Change up the ingredients to suit the season. Wanting to make it in spring? Swap out the corn and zucchini for peas and asparagus instead.
Tivoli road's spring freekeh salad
Spring is calling, and so is our desire for fresh, simple salads. Freekeh is an ancient grain made from young, green wheat that is roasted to deliver a deep smoky, nutty flavour. High in fibre (in fact, it has up to four times more fibre than brown rice) and protein it makes the ultimate base for a salad. Combined with an array of vegetables and topped with chopped almonds for that nutty crunch texture, it ticks all the boxes.
Mount Zero pearled farro, roasted cauliflower, kale and blistered grape salad
We love a good roasted cauliflower (who doesn’t), which is why we adore this gorgeous pearled farro, roasted cauliflower, kale and grape salad. The sweetness of the blistered grapes cut through the bitterness of the kale, tied together with the mellow, crunchiness of the cauliflower – it’s a match made in heaven.
Barley, apple and roasted cauliflower salad
Barley – such a versatile and scrumptious grain. This salad has the right mix of salty, sweet and sour, making it an all-round winner in our books! Super easy to assemble, too, combining the cooked barley with the roasted vegetables, fruit, goats cheese, and dressing. So easy.
Want even more delicious grain recipe ideas and inspiration? Here are bonus grain salad recipes from Mount Zero’s community of culinary superstars. Take a look and get cooking!
