Grain salads are a beautiful mix of fresh, filling, and fun. They can be hearty enough for dinner, light enough for lunch, and bright enough to take to any picnic.
With chewy grains, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressings, they offer the best kind of balance. These 20 salads celebrate texture, color, and bold flavor—without ever feeling boring.
1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Feta And Olives
Briny olives, crumbled feta, and juicy tomatoes bring a salty-sweet combo that feels like a sunny vacation.
Quinoa soaks up a lemony olive oil dressing, while cucumbers add crunch and parsley gives it a fresh lift.
2. Lemon-Dill Farro Salad With Cucumber And Tomato
Farro’s nutty chew is the perfect base for cool cucumber and sweet cherry tomatoes.
A squeeze of lemon and chopped dill give this one a refreshing, almost pickled brightness.
3. Southwest Brown Rice Salad With Black Beans And Corn
Smoky black beans, roasted corn, and a hint of cumin give this salad a kick worth craving.
It’s colorful, satisfying, and easy to prep ahead for lunches or BBQs.
4. Bulgur Salad With Mint, Parsley, And Lemon
Chopped herbs and lemon zest make this version of tabbouleh zippy and vibrant.
Bulgur brings a soft, grainy texture that works beautifully with diced cucumber and juicy tomato.
5. Roasted Veggie Couscous Bowl
Couscous catches every drop of garlicky oil from roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions.
A sprinkle of smoked paprika ties it all together with cozy, warm flavor.
6. Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Salad
Nutty wild rice pairs beautifully with tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans.
A maple vinaigrette brings out the sweetness and makes this feel like autumn in a bowl.
7. Asian-Inspired Barley Salad With Sesame Dressing
Toasted sesame oil gives this salad a deep, rich aroma, while crisp bell peppers and scallions keep it light.
Barley adds a nice chew and holds up well for leftovers.
8. Greek Couscous Salad With Red Onion And Peppers
Salty feta, sharp red onion, and roasted red peppers create bold, punchy flavor in every bite.
Couscous makes the perfect soft contrast to the firm vegetables and olives.
9. Farro Caprese Salad With Balsamic Glaze
This salad borrows the best parts of Caprese—juicy tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella—and anchors them with hearty farro.
A balsamic drizzle adds a sweet tang that brings it all together.
10. Spicy Chickpea And Quinoa Salad
Crispy chickpeas and fluffy quinoa get tossed with chopped spinach, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
It’s a salad with real attitude and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
11. Tabbouleh With Bulgur And Fresh Herbs
Loads of parsley, mint, and green onion give this classic salad its garden-fresh edge.
Diced tomatoes and lemon juice keep the bulgur soft, juicy, and light.
12. Sweet Potato And Brown Rice Salad
Tender cubes of roasted sweet potato blend perfectly with nutty brown rice and a cumin-lime vinaigrette.
Black beans and red onion round it out for a meal-worthy combo.
13. Avocado And Lime Wild Rice Salad
Creamy avocado chunks melt right into the wild rice, while lime juice and cilantro give it a punchy finish.
Bits of red pepper and green onion add color and crunch.
14. Chimichurri Farro Salad With Grilled Veggies
Grilled zucchini and peppers soak up all the flavor from a bright, garlicky chimichurri.
Farro makes a sturdy base and turns this into a salad you’ll want seconds of.
15. Couscous Salad With Dried Apricots And Almonds
The sweetness of chopped dried apricots plays off the toasty crunch of slivered almonds.
Tossed in a cinnamon-spiced citrus dressing, it’s an unexpected but delightful combo.
16. Curried Lentil And Quinoa Salad
Golden curry powder gives this salad a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with red lentils and fluffy quinoa.
Peas and scallions brighten things up, making it feel both rich and fresh.
17. Pesto Couscous Salad With Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh basil pesto coats tender couscous and bursts of cherry tomato bring in juicy sweetness.
Toasted pine nuts add buttery crunch and make this feel extra special.
18. Grilled Peach And Farro Salad
Charred peaches bring a smoky-sweet flavor that complements farro’s nutty base.
Arugula and goat cheese give it a peppery bite and creamy finish.
19. Ginger-Soy Brown Rice Salad With Edamame
Savory soy sauce, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar dress up brown rice and shelled edamame.
Shredded carrots and sesame seeds give it both texture and color.
20. Beet And Barley Salad With Goat Cheese
Roasted beets lend sweetness and a deep magenta hue, while creamy goat cheese melts into the warm barley.
A drizzle of honey balsamic ties it all together with a tangy touch.