This recipe is your secret weapon for those nights when the fridge seems bare. With a few pantry staples, some cooked farro (or another whole grain), and whatever colorful vegetables you have on hand, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal.
A Customizable Dressing: Let Your Creativity Flow!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. We’ve used a vibrant cilantro-lime dressing with a touch of sweetness from honey, but feel free to experiment with what you have! Here are some ideas:
- Mediterranean Twist: Swap the lime juice for lemon juice and add a drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Dream: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing for a creamy texture.
- Asian-Inspired: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sesame oil, and grated ginger for an Asian-inspired dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 rainbow carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 radishes, thinly sliced
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cooked farro (or another whole grain like quinoa or brown rice)
- 1 cup drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ cup unsalted shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped
Instructions:
- Quick Pickle the Veggies: In a bowl, combine the sliced carrots and radishes. In a small saucepan, heat together the rice vinegar and sugar until simmering. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad: Divide the mixed greens, cooked farro, chickpeas, and half of the chopped cilantro leaves among 4 plates. Drain the pickled vegetables and scatter them evenly over the salad.
- Whip Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, and remaining chopped cilantro.
- Dress & Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salads and sprinkle with toasted pistachios. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 252
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 9g
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