Grains to Add to Summer Salads
We’re finally into the swing of summer and enjoying all the beauty the season brings. One of the best parts of summer? The bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are perfectly ripe and in season. Being able to enjoy produce at its peak of freshness is a real treat on its own, in smoothies, salads, and more. And while eating a plant-based diet is one of the fastest and surest ways to live a long and healthy life, it’s always fun to spice things up when we’re cooking, whether for ourselves or our families.
Since summertime is a great time to gather everyone together outdoors, whether it’s in celebration or just a casual hang out, it’s a great idea to have some culinary tricks up your sleeve to keep the food at your gatherings varied. After all, variety is the spice of life! Let’s take a look at some healthy grains to add texture and flavor to your favorite salads.
Quinoa
Starting the list off easily with quinoa. The reason being is that while quinoa has been well known in the health food industry for decades, it’s made its way into mainstream cooking over the last few years. Quinoa has a very similar texture to rice and is great to add to any salad with fruit. Try making a tossed salad with quinoa, kale, and cranberries alone. Serve it chilled alongside your main dishes, and people will be delighted not only by the taste but its vast health benefits! The biggest strength of quinoa? It literally provides all the amino acids our bodies need – in one grain!
Farro
Farro may be lesser known than quinoa, but it’s a star, just like Mia. Farro has been grown for centuries in the Mediterranean and is renowned for its nutty flavor. Farro always has a lovely chewy texture which makes it a great addition to soups and salads. While it’s incredibly rich in several vitamins and nutrients, it’s a powerhouse when it comes to protein and fiber, which is a significant benefit if you’re looking to eat heart healthier and still get that valuable protein in. Try farro in pilaf salad where it will truly shine. Of course, it’s equally delicious sprinkled on top of any salad greens dressed to your taste and preference.
Buckwheat
Most people will have images of porridge or pancakes conjured up when you talk about buckwheat, but the gra in on its own is simply magical. Buckwheat is a fantastic source of protein and has been shown to lower blood pressure significantly. Not only that, it’s gluten-free, making it a great addition to summer get-togethers as virtually all of us have friends and loved ones with food sensitivities these days. Buckwheat can also help stave off heart disease and aid in weight loss. Add buckwheat to any salad with cruciferous vegetables or carrots, and they complement each other perfectly.
Bulgur
Bulgur must be added to a summer salad list for one reason alone – Tabbouleh. We all know it, and we all love it! Tabbouleh salad, while delicious year-round, is a staple summer salad in households worldwide. Serve tabbouleh at your gatherings with some fresh hummus (bonus points if you make your own homemade) and cut pita slices with fresh raw veggies. The fan-favorite, for sure!
Wheat Berries
Hearing the word berries might make your mind immediately travel to Winter, but you better believe that wheat berries are the perfect complement to your summer cooking! While shopping for wheat berries, you may come across several different types – don’t worry, the distinctions don’t matter unless you’re looking to make your own flour, in which case, you’re reading the wrong article. Toss some wheat berries in salads already containing fruits and tangy flavors; for an extra punch of flavor, chop up some basil and sprinkle it on.
So there you have it, not only are there many more than mentioned varieties of grains that you can add to your summer salads, it’s proof that there are easy, quick ways to add some significant health benefits to things you’re already preparing and serving to your friends and family. And it’s their health and your own that you have the ability to look out for. Enjoy the summer!