Rainbow Veggie Grain Salad

We haven’t talked much about work week lunches have we? It’s hard to be a desk lunch jockey, but with a handful of make ahead veggie-filled recipes, you might just be the envy of the office!

Grain salads are my favorite thing to make on Sunday and tote to work all week-long. This one is packed full of colorful fresh veggies and two different grains, throw in some leftover chicken, steak, tofu or fish for a heartier lunch or dinner. And, top it with a bit of cheese if that’s your thang!

The dressing is light, easy and flavorful. Mix the entire dish together and pop it in the fridge for the flavors to blend, and it’ll last you all week-long.

Rainbow Veggie Grain Salad

Print Recipe

This grain salad recipe is packed with lots of yummy and colorful veggies, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

• Author: Kristen Olson
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Grain Salad
• 1 cup uncooked faro or wheat berries
• 1 cup uncooked barley or brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 /2 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 medium unpeeled eating apple, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, stemmed and chopped
• 1 bunch kale (about 3–4 cups), stems removed and chopped
• 4 medium green onions, chopped (1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon Vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Pinch of pepper

Instructions

1. Cook faro and barley as directed on the packages until grains are tender. Drain if necessary.
2. In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Add the kale and massage kale with dressing to soften the kale and let it absorb the dressing.
3. In large bowl, mix cooked grains and remaining salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad; toss. Cover; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Serving
• Calories: 268
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 327mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Need some more lunch box help? Check these out…
Paleo Lunchbox Roundup from Nom Nom Paleo
23 Make Ahead Lunches from The Kitchn
Make Ahead Lunches from Brit + Co