19 Grain Salad Recipes for Easy Lunches, Backyard Parties, and Perfect Picnics
After spring comes the season of grain salads—the hearty make-ahead dishes that shine at picnics, barbecues, and trips to the beach. Some of these salads start with farro, some with brown rice, some spelt, some barley or quinoa; many of them are flexible and work with whatever grain you have in your pantry. They’re amped up with raw veggies or nuts for crunch, herbs and citrus for freshness, and cheese or avocado for richness. And while some of the tomato-laden options really are best in summer, many of these grain salads make a great portable, budget-friendly lunch any time of year. Below you’ll find 19 of our favorite grain salad recipes; scroll down to get cooking.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Christopher Barsch1/19Grilled Zucchini and Bulgur Salad With Feta and Preserved-Lemon Dressing
The best grain salads are packed with varied flavors and textures, like this one, which brings together meaty charred zucchini, creamy feta, and tangy preserved lemon.
Lara Ferroni3/19Quinoa and Asparagus Salad with Mimosa Vinaigrette
This side dish is full of refreshing spring flavors from the asparagus, mint, parsley, and cilantro. You can prepare the quinoa and eggs for the vinaigrette a day in advance so that your last-minute prep time is minimal.
Photo by Dan Monick5/19Farro With Pistachios, Mixed Herbs, and Golden Raisins
Ginger and lemon zest add zip to this herb-packed grain dish, while golden raisins add a touch of sweetness. You can prepare the farro a day in advance of serving; this recipe is ideal for bringing to a picnic.
Jason Lowe7/19Quinoa Tabbouleh
Classic tabbouleh is made with bulgur, this hearty version stars quinoa instead. Serve as a vegetarian main dish or a side alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell9/19Massaged Kale With Tomatoes, Creamed Mozzarella, and Wild Rice
In this crowdpleaser of a dish, grain salad meets kale salad.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell10/19Green Rice with Tomatoes, Eggs, and Almonds
Romulo Yanes14/19Summer Squash and Red Quinoa Salad With Walnuts
When summer squash is in season, this salad makes the ideal meatless main dish.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton16/19Grain Bowls With Chicken, Spiced Chickpeas, and Avocado
Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Andy Baraghani17/19Grain Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
