18 Great Grain Salad Recipes

Barley Corn Salad

A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas

Bulgur Salad

Whether it's nutrition or taste you're after, it doesn't get any better than a bulgur salad. Bulgur wheat, beans, tomatoes, pine nuts and olive oil team up in this Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian main dish salad.

Summer Salad

This is the perfect summer salad recipe for picnics and potlucks. It's full of pearl couscous, quinoa, colorful vegetables and fruit.

Quinoa Tabbouleh

We put a gluten-free twist on a classic Middle Eastern salad by using quinoa instead of bulgur. Our quinoa tabbouleh recipe features a protein-packed superfood, crisp veggies, fresh herbs and an easy lemon vinaigrette.

Jambalaya Rice Salad

My cold rice salad has a little hint of spice for a classic jambalaya-style kick. Shrimp, tomatoes, ham and peppers give the dish bright colors and a delightful texture. —Karen Rahn, Hixon, Tennessee

Great Grain Salad

I can't think of a better dish to round out a meal. My grain salad features all my favorite nuts, seeds and fruits. Try adding grilled chicken to make it a meal on its own. —Rachel Dueker, Gervais, Oregon

Cranberry-Pecan Wheat Berry Salad

I love to experiment with different grains and wanted to give wheat berries a try. My whole family goes nuts for this salad, especially my mom. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad

With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. —Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California

Wheat Berry Salad

This hearty salad is bursting with harvest flavors and healthful omega-3s. The chewy wheat berries, sweet-tart dried cherries and crunchy walnuts make a winning combination.—Nancy Lange, Phoenix, Arizona

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Discover how easy it is to create this nutritious and flavorful quinoa chickpea salad. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it's pretty much designed to be a minimal-effort weeknight meal.

Lemon Rice Salad

This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta

Quinoa Salad

This hearty yet light vegetable-packed quinoa salad has layers of flavors and textures, all dressed with a simple herb and garlic-infused lemon vinaigrette.

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad

As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois

Black Bean & Corn Quinoa

Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn’t. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

Warm Squash & Quinoa Salad

Whenever I see butternut squash at the supermarket, I buy one. It's amazing tossed with earthy quinoa, Italian spices and crunchy pine nuts. And don't get me started on the browned butter! Yum. —Carly Taylor, Libertyville, Illinois

Fennel Wild Rice Salad

This is a salad I invented years ago when my sister's family had to go gluten-free. It has since become a family favorite, and Thanksgiving just isn't the same without our wild rice salad! —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington

Garden Quinoa Salad

This recipe is special to me because it’s delicious as well as healthful. Serve it hot or cold, and enjoy the leftovers while they’re fresh! —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California

Grain Salad FAQ

What are the best grains for salads?

If you’re looking to pack the most nutrition into your grain salad recipes, opt for whole grains, which contain all the nutrients naturally found in the plants that grow them. So-called cereal grains such as barley, brown rice and bulgur (a form of wheat), as well as pseudo grains like quinoa (really a seed) are all good choices.

What grains are good cold?

Once cooked, most grains can be enjoyed warm or cold. With some grains, such as rice, cooling them after they are cooked increases what is known as resistant starch, a natural compound that has a fiber-like effect and can help you feel fuller. You can enjoy most grains cold, including barley, farro, sorghum, bulgur and quinoa.

How long does grain salad last in the fridge?

Any kind of cooked grains, including grain salads, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping them in airtight meal prep containers will ensure your salads remain as fresh as possible and aren’t dried out. If you’re afraid of oversaturating the grains, store the salad dressings and vinaigrettes separately.