Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines wholesome ancient grains with vibrant, nutrient-packed Swiss chard? This isn't just another salad—it's a nutritional powerhouse that will revolutionize your dining experience! Imagine a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, ready in less than an hour, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ancient grains (quinoa, farro, or barley)
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the ancient grains according to package instructions. If using quinoa, rinse thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer before cooking. For farro or barley, ensure grains are cooked until tender but still slightly chewy.
- While grains are cooking, wash the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the stems by cutting along both sides of the stem to separate the leafy green portion. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the stems.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped Swiss chard stems for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ancient grains, sautéed Swiss chard, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad just before serving.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, fresh taste.
- For the best texture, cook ancient grains until they're tender but still maintain a slight bite—avoid overcooking.
- When preparing Swiss chard, separate the stems and leaves, as they have different cooking times.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Feel free to experiment with different ancient grains like farro or barley to find your favorite combination.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some grilled chicken or toasted nuts.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and lemon juice to elevate the dressing's flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
