Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Why Make This Recipe

This Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the crunch of celery and the sweetness of apples with hearty grains. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side for any meal. Not only is it filling, but it’s also packed with vitamins and fiber. Plus, the homemade apple cider vinaigrette adds a delightful tang that brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked grains (quinoa, farro, or bulgur)
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped apples
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, celery, red onion, apples, nuts, and dried cranberries.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light meal. For a bit of added flair, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

How to Store Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after storing, you can add a splash more of the apple cider vinaigrette before serving to refresh it.

Tips to Make Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• Use a variety of apples for different flavors and textures; tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast.
• Feel free to adjust the nuts and dried fruit to your liking or based on what you have at home.
• To save time, prepare the grains and chop the veggies ahead of time.

Variation

If you want to add more protein, consider adding chickpeas or cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, black beans are also a great addition. You can substitute the honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use other grains for this salad?
Yes, you can use any cooked grain you like, such as brown rice or barley.

2. How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?
The salad can last for about 2 to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

3. Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness.

Tasty Grain and Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This refreshing salad combines hearty grains and crisp celery with a vibrant apple cider vinaigrette. It's a perfect light meal or side dish, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1.5 cups Cooked Farro
• 4 stalks Celery diced
• 1 Cucumber diced
• 0.25 Red Onion thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 0.25 cup Toasted Pecans chopped

For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt or to taste
• Black Pepper pinch, or to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Grains and Vegetables

• Cook farro according to package directions, then let it cool completely.
• While the farro cools, dice the celery and cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
• Chop fresh parsley and toast pecans if not already toasted.

Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
• Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, diced celery, cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.
• Pour the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
• Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Stir in the toasted pecans just before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the flavors will meld beautifully. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.