16 grain salads that turn ordinary ingredients into something epic
These 16 grain salads combine hearty grains with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and homemade dressings for bowls that taste as good as they look. Each bite has a little crunch, a little chew, and plenty of deliciousness. Perfect for lunch, a side, or a light dinner.
Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
This quinoa salad with massaged kale and roasted chickpeas is a high-fiber option that works well for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish at a potluck. The chili lime dressing ties it all together and holds up well if made ahead. Get the recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
Tuna and Rice Salad
This tuna and rice salad is your go-to for a light but satisfying meal. Packed with flavorful tuna, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies, it’s a quick and easy dish that works for lunch, dinner, or whenever hunger strikes. Get the recipe: Rice Salad with Tuna
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Fresh Mediterranean orzo salad with a bright Greek oregano dressing, orzo pasta, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, and pepperoncini. This Greek-inspired pasta salad is colorful, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep and lunch salads. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Quinoa Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
This tropical quinoa salad is a fresh, meatless option that’s high in fiber and works well as a main or side. The caramelized pineapple salsa and coconut lime dressing add a mix of sweet and citrus, and the jicama brings a good crunch. Get the recipe: Quinoa Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
Crispy Rice Salad
Crispy rice salad is blowing up on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why. Made with leftover rice, fresh veggies, and simple Asian-inspired seasonings, it works as a light meal, side dish, or a main with added protein. Get the recipe: Crispy Rice Salad
Farro and Apple Arugula Salad
This farro salad is fresh, versatile, and packed with crisp arugula, chewy farro, sweet apples, and shaved Parmesan. Tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a nutritious main or a hearty side. Get the recipe: Farro and Apple Arugula Salad
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Transform Texas caviar into a nutritious cowboy caviar salad. With rice, black beans, corn, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sweet and spicy chili maple dressing, it’s the ultimate summer side dish. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
This pesto orzo salad pulls its weight whether it’s lunch, meal prep, or hanging out next to something grilled. It’s loaded with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, and it comes together fast. Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
This quinoa chickpea salad is a fresh, make-ahead meal that stays great all week. It’s finished with a creamy lemon tahini dressing that pulls everything together. Get the recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Southwest Grain Bowl With Avocado
This Southwest grain bowl is fresh, hearty, and full of good stuff like brown rice, quinoa, avocado, and veggies with a sweet and spicy dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes for a tasty lunch you’ll want to eat all week. Get the recipe: Southwest Grain Bowl With Avocado
Fruit and Nut Salad
This fruit and nut salad has a really great texture with tons of delicious flavours. It features dried fruit and toasted nuts mixed with whole grain rice and a lovely, fresh dressing. It is nicknamed ‘trail mix salad’. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Salad
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
This recipe will really boost your salad game. A mouthwatering quinoa Tabbouleh salad that is packed with flavor and texture from the quinoa, crunchy veggies, and fragrant herbs. It’s also a nutrition powerhouse. Get the recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Crispy Rice Sushi Tuna Salad
Crispy rice sushi tuna salad is all about bold texture and flavor, with crunchy baked rice, creamy avocado, and a punchy sesame-soy dressing. The tuna, chili oil, and fresh veggies make it a high-protein lunch that actually hits. Get the recipe: Crispy Rice Sushi Tuna Salad
Orzo Pasta Salad
This orzo salad combines tender orzo pasta with fresh greens, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. It’s a light and refreshing option for lunch, a side dish, or a summer gathering. Get the recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad
Quinoa Caprese Salad
This easy quinoa Caprese salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in no time. With quinoa, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it’s a nutritious, gluten-free twist on the classic Caprese salad. Get the recipe: Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Salad
Such a fresh and tasty way to use a bounty of fresh basil. This salad features cooked and cooled rice, fresh lemon and tender chicken, and it totally eats like a meal. Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Chicken Rice Salad