If you're looking for a simple way to make your salads more nutritious and filling, consider adding ancient grains to your greens! But, what exactly are ancient grains, and why are they SO beneficial for your health?
Ancient grains are a type of whole grain that have been around for thousands of years and have not been genetically modified like many modern grains. They include grains like quinoa, amaranth, and farro, and are rich in fiber, protein, and many essential nutrients!
Ancient grains to add to your salads:
- Quinoa: This grain is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It's also a good source of fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Farro: Farro is a type of wheat that has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's a good source of fiber, protein, and B vitamins.
- Amaranth: Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that's high in protein and fiber. It's also a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
- Buckwheat: Buckwheat is a gluten-free grain. It has a slightly earthy flavor and a lovely texture that adds depth to any salad.
- Freekah: Freekah is an ancient grain that is widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a slightly smoky flavor and a chewy texture.
- Bulgar: Bulgar is an ancient grain that is often used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing around 8 grams of fiber per cooked cup. Bulgar is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins.
These nutrient-dense grains offer a variety of health benefits and add a delicious and satisfying crunch to your salads. So, next time you make a salad, try incorporating some ancient grains and see how they will improve your lunch! Enjoy browsing the many recipe options below!
Salads with Nourishing Ancient Grains
Cranberry Apple Buckwheat Salad
Cranberry Apple Buckwheat Salad
This healthy buckwheat salad has vibrant flavors with tart, sweet, and earthy notes. Upgrade your salad to a nutritious, hearty food characterized by the bright but complimentary combination of apples, cranberries, and buckwheat. Try pairing this salad with apple cider butternut squash soup for a tr…
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Zesty Quinoa Salad
Zesty Quinoa Salad
This Zesty Quinoa Salad is loaded with quinoa, wild rice, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zippy lime vinaigrette. You can whip it up in about 10 minutes for the perfect grilling side dish, potluck salad, or easy meal prep lunch.
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Tabbouleh (with Bulgar)
Tabouli Salad (Tabbouleh)
Tabouli (tabbouleh) salad recipe authentic lebanese way! Tabouli ingredients are fresh and flavorful Make this Tabouli recipe with any meal!
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Kale Quinoa Salad
Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad
My go-to kale salad is this Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad! It’s super simple, loaded with plant protein, vitamins, minerals, & healthy fats, and it’s oil-free!
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Rainbow Buckwheat Salad
Rainbow Buckwheat Salad
All the colors and lush flavors of summer in a delightful, gluten-free, & vegan Rainbow Buckwheat Salad. Crisp veggies, sweet blueberries, and
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Warm Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad
Warm Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing
This warm quinoa salad is packed with flavor from roasted vegetables including sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and kale. The creamy toasted sesame dressing on top makes this the perfect comforting and healthy dinner you will
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Sorghum Salad with Kohlrabi, Apple & Fennel
Warm Sorghum Salad with Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel
A warm sorghum salad with roasted kohlrabi, apple, & fennel. This gluten-free vegan recipe is sweet, comforting, and nourishing for the cold months ahead.
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Ancient Grains Salad
Ancient Grains Salad (farro, barley & quinoa)
This savory grain salad is made using three ancient grains, fresh vegetables, herbs, and is tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
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Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad
Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad
Protein-packed Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad is a delicious side dish, lunch, or dinner. Its easy & comes together in about 15 minutes!
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Farro Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Farro Salad With Tahini Vinaigrette
Farro salad is a colorful and nutty salad with the addition of delicious whole grain and a blend of colorful vegetables. The tahini salad adds to the flavor of the salad and it is a very adaptable recipe.
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Quinoa Arugula Salad
Quinoa Arugula Salad
This Quinoa Arugula Salad is fresh, filling, and oh so delicious, plus Vegan and gluten free friendly! Make up a big bowl in 20 minutes!
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Ancient Grains Salad (with Farro)
Ancient Grains Salad
This simple ancient grains salad features nutty farro, arugula and herbs, Parmesan, crispy homemade pita chips, and a simple lemony dressing.
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Amaranth Tabouli
Amaranth Tabouli Recipe
A healthy vegan tabouli salad recipe made with Amaranth grain
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Farro Salad with Fennel, Feta and Crushed Olives
Farro Salad with Fennel, Feta and Crushed Olives
This hearty and vibrant farro salad is packed with creamy feta cheese, radicchio, tangy olives, fresh dill and crunchy fennel.
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Pear and Arugula Salad (Sprouted Quinoa)
Pear and Rocket Salad
A simple pear and rocket salad. Made with sweet juicy pears, peppery rocket, creamy avocado, salty olives, crunchy seeds and more.
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Greek Pesto Quinoa Salad
Greek Pesto Quinoa Salad
This instant pot greek pesto quinoa salad is such a great and refreshing summer meal. It’s healthy, fresh, and so good for any warm day. You can eat it cold or warm. If you’re looking for a guilt free meal that you and your family can enjoy. This is it. What is Quinoa Quinoa has...Read More
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Paneer Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Seeds
Paneer Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Seeds
Paneer Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Seeds - High protein Quinoa is combined with Paneer and toasted seeds for a nutritious and delicious salad
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Roasted Acorn Squash Salad (with Wheat Berries)
Roasted Acorn Squash Salad
A deliciously satisfying roasted acorn squash salad that’s perfect for fall featuring ancient grains, pecans, dried cranberries and feta.
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Zesty Quinoa Salad
Zesty Quinoa Salad
This Zesty Quinoa Salad is vegan and made with black beans, mango, lime juice, and more. Perfect for meal-prep lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish! #veganrecipes #quinoasalad
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Farro Salad with Caramelized Onion
Farro Salad with Caramelized Onions
This delicious Warm Farro Salad comes filled with caramelized onions, roasted eggplant, spinach, sweet grapes, feta cheese, and drizzled with the creamiest walnut mustard dressing. Flavorful and healthy, it’s my absolute favorite way to enjoy this hearty grain.
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Freekeh Salad
Really Good Freekeh Salad
Looking for a filling side salad? Make this Really Good Freekeh Salad with arugula, tomatoes, goat cheese, and pickled red onion. Serve it warm or cold for a hearty whole grain salad.
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Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
Pumpkin Quinoa Salad - Through The Fibro Fog
This roasted pumpkin quinoa salad combines maple roasted pumpkin and bell peppers with quinoa and fresh salad leaves.
Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
Buckwheat Salad with Kale & Feta
Gluten Free Buckwheat Salad with Kale & Feta
Looking for an easy gluten-free lunch you can bring to work with you? Try our vegetarian kale, feta and buckwheat salad!
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Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowls
Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowls and Creamy Tahini Dressing
Simple yet delicious, these vegan & gluten free grain bowls nourish your body and your taste buds. A creamy tahini dressing to top? Yum!
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Make the best Mediterranean quinoa salad recipe in minutes! Quinoa chickpea salad with feta makes a delicious, simple side dish.
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Avocado Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Avocado Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
An easy-to-make fresh avocado quinoa salad topped with a creamy lemon dressing and crunchy walnuts—filling and deliciously nourishing.
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Meg says
You had me at farro!! Also I had an absolutely delicious freekeh salad at a restaurant and been trying to hunt it down ever since! It was served with labneh and it was one of those meals you keep dreaming about. Thanks for a great list! Can’t wait to try them all!