25 Vibrant Grain Salad Recipes Full Of Flavor And Texture
Grain salads are the ultimate combo of hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable. They’re packed with chewy, nutty grains; crisp veggies; bold dressings; and often a little something sweet or tangy to keep things interesting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping lunches, or just want a satisfying side dish, these 25 grain salad recipes bring big flavor and serious texture to the table.
1. Mediterranean Farro Salad
Farro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, and lemon vinaigrette. Fresh and filling.
2. Quinoa Tabbouleh
A protein-packed twist on the classic with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
3. Wild Rice & Mushroom Salad
Earthy mushrooms, wild rice, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette make this a cold-weather favorite.
4. Barley Salad with Roasted Veggies
Pearled barley with sweet roasted carrots, bell peppers, and red onions in a mustard-maple dressing.
5. Brown Rice and Edamame Salad
Toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions, and crunchy edamame give this an Asian-inspired kick.
6. Lemon-Herb Couscous Salad
Israeli couscous tossed with arugula, pine nuts, golden raisins, and lemon zest.
7. Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime
Creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, black beans, and lime juice for a Tex-Mex vibe.
8. Millet Salad with Cucumber and Mint
Cooling and light with a touch of olive oil—great with grilled meats or on its own.
9. Farro Salad with Grapes and Goat Cheese
A sweet-savory mix of chewy farro, juicy grapes, creamy goat cheese, and arugula.
10. Freekeh Salad with Dill and Snap Peas
A nutty, fiber-rich grain mixed with crisp peas, radish slices, and herby dressing.
11. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Beets and Oranges
Earthy meets citrusy in this colorful, vitamin-packed bowl.
12. Barley Apple Salad with Maple Dressing
Apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and a warm maple-Dijon dressing over tender barley.
13. Wheat Berry Salad with Dried Cherries
Chewy wheat berries, tart cherries, almonds, and a splash of balsamic—sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
14. Bulgur Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato
Roasted sweet potatoes and red onions over bulgur, tossed with tahini-lemon dressing.
15. Brown Rice Salad with Mango and Avocado
A tropical bowl with creamy avocado, juicy mango, and a citrus-chili vinaigrette.
16. Lentil & Quinoa Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A double hit of plant protein with bold flavor from olives and herbs.
17. Black Bean and Bulgur Southwest Salad
Spiced with cumin and lime, packed with corn, beans, and cilantro.
18. Chickpea Couscous Salad
Quick and satisfying with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and lemony olive oil.
19. Kamut Salad with Roasted Broccoli and Tahini
Chewy ancient grain, crispy roasted broccoli, and a creamy tahini drizzle—next-level stuff.
20. Freekeh and Chickpea Salad with Harissa Dressing
Spicy, smoky, and bold—perfect for heat lovers.
21. Summer Quinoa Salad with Corn and Basil
Sweet corn, chopped basil, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette—summer in a bowl.
22. Spelt Salad with Zucchini and Feta
Nutty spelt mixed with grilled zucchini, feta, and a touch of lemon zest.
23. Couscous and Pomegranate Salad
Pops of pomegranate, crunchy cucumber, and mint make this one refreshing and pretty.
24. Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
A holiday favorite that doubles as a year-round winner with crunch, chew, and tang.
25. Farro and Kale Caesar Salad
Toss farro and shredded kale in a punchy Caesar dressing, then top with crispy chickpeas or croutons.