Category Archives: Salads

Farro and Barley Salad with Spinach and Artichoke Hearts

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You know when you have almost enough of a grain or a pasta to make a recipe? Well, I didn’t have enough farro, so, I used barely (not pearled barley like one would find in soups) because I figured, ‘why not?’ They actually have similar cooking times so it all worked out. Also, lately I’m a huge fan of frozen spinach. You know, the solid green block enclosed in plastic? I love spinach but can’t be bothered to wash all the dirt out of fresh spinach and one bunch is disappointing because it cooks down so much. For this recipe you could kick it up by using jarred artichoke hearts but I used canned. I also added some toasted pecans for crunch. This came together pretty quickly and I have leftovers. So, win-win!

  • 1 C farro-barely mixture
  • 1 veg bouillon cube
  • 1 pkg. frozen spinach, nuked
  • 1/2 C chopped toasted pecans
  • Almost a full can of artichoke hearts, chopped
  • A spot of canola oil (or, if you used jarred artichoke hearts, use that oil as it’s seasoned!)

Directions

Cook the farro-barley with the bouillon cube. (The good thing about cooking these grains is you add them together with the water at the same time–no waiting for the water to boil!).

Add the cooked spinach, chopped artichokes and a little bit of oil to a large bowl. Separate the spinach with a fork because it’s going to be in large clumps.

Add the cooked grains to the bowl, mix together and then add the toasted pecans. Adjust seasonings according to your taste. I also added a dash of basil and a little bit of salt and black pepper. I think this salad would also work with a dash of fresh lemon juice and either vegan or real feta cheese too. It can be served hot or cold.

This will serve 4 as a side dish, or even as a main. Enjoy!

Also, I realize that the salad looks like it’s a floating mass. It’s not, it was in a bowl and I failed to capture the edges of the bowl. I need to get better at photography!

Black Bean, Edamame, Carrot and Corn Salad with Lime, Olive Oil and Mayo Dressing

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Elote was one of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn. Several a Saturday afternoon was spent in the backyard, consuming too many margaritas with friends. I also love eating elote, except not in public because I make such a mess of myself. Ha. Anyway, I was going to make my usual black bean, edamame and carrot salad, but went a different way. I’m glad that I did. Klass is a chili powder, lime seasoning that you should be able to find in your local grocery store. If not, online.

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 package edamame, thawed
  • 1/2 C carrots, sliced
  • 1 ear of cooked corn, sliced off cob
  • 1/4 C olive oil
  • juice from 2 limes
  • 3-4TB mayo
  • Klass seasoning to taste

For the edamame, I usually thaw it in a bowl with a little water in the microwave for a minute, then drain it. Add to the black beans, carrots and corn. Whisk up the olive oil, mayo, lime juice and seasoning. I added the juice of two limes, you could add more to thin out the mayo as well.

black bean, edamame, corn salad!

black bean, edamame, corn salad!

Klass seasoning & lime

I have Klass!

Raw Brussels Sprouts and Chickpea Salad

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brussels sprouts & chickpeas

Raw brussels sprouts and chickpea salad with lemony dressing.

I really like a nice, crisp salad and this brussels sprouts salad hits the spot. I think it would also be good with a few roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

  • 1lb bag of brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
  • 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • juice of one lemon
  • 2TB mayonaise
  • 2TB olive oil
  • 1tsp ground mustard powder
  • 1tsp agave nectar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Slice brussels in half and then thinly slice so they’re almost shredded in texture. Add to large bowl along with the chickpeas and then drizzle a little bit of olive oil over that. Then, for the dressing, whisk together the oil, mayo, lemon juice, agave nectar and mustard powder. I actually guessed on the amounts, so, you may have to adjust. Use your best judgment. I trust you! The dressing should be on the thin side and quite lemon-y. Add the dressing to the salad and thoroughly mix until beans and veg are coated.

brussels sprouts & chickpea salad

A nice addition to dinner or a quick lunch.

Raw Asparagus and Chickpea Salad with Lemon

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a spring-y salad.

a spring-y salad.

You may say, “Raw asparagus?!?” And, I will reply: “YES!”(with much enthusiasm). This is an easy and light salad to make for lunch, like I did yesterday. I used both a little bit of Bulgarian feta and Pecorino. I enjoyed the play of the two different flavors and textures of cheese. If you can find Bulgarian feta, buy some, pronto. It’s not salty like Greek feta cheese, it’s more mild and creamy/not so crumbly.

  • 1lb. (bunch) of asparagus, rinsed, cut into 1-2″ pieces
  • 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup (or more) of crumbled Bulgarian feta cheese
  • a couple glugs of olive oil
  • zest of lemon, plus juice of half a lemon
  • flaky sea salt and pepper to taste
  • some shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese

Add cut asparagus and chickpeas in a medium-large bowl. I cut the asparagus into tiny, diagonal pieces to make it more visually appealing (I guess, haha). drizzle with olive oil–enough to coat the beans and veg. Add lemon zest and juice and feta pieces. Stir until combined. Add some shaved (I used a vegetable peeler) Pecorino Romano on top. Enjoy!

Brown Basmati Rice and Black Bean Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing

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It’s finally getting warmer in Brooklyn, to the point I had to switch on the A/C for a few days (Con Edison loves me). For me, when it’s warmer outside, I’d rather eat lighter meals that can be served cold. This is a nice, light lunch or dinner option. I think you can add diced pepper and corn to this salad and that would work well too. Go on and make yourself a margarita too!

  • 2 C. cooked brown basmati rice, cooled
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 avocado, cubed
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1/4 C. Bulgarian feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the dressing:

  • 2-3 TB mayo
  • 1/4 C. lime juice
  • 2 TB olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • dash of salt/pepper
  • dash of crushed red pepper flakes

Add all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth. Adjust accordingly, ie: if you want it tangier, add more lime juice, more creamy, add a bit more mayo. Note: I used bottled organic lime juice (Santa Cruz brand). It’s pure lime juice, no sugar or extra crap. I also use it to make margaritas [upcoming post!])

In a large bowl, add beans and vegetables to cooled rice. (you want to use cooled rice because you don’t want mushy tomatoes and cooked avocado, nor do you want the dressing warmed by the rice). Add dressing and mix until everything is coated. Add crumbled Bulgarian feta on top. Bam, you’re done. With this recipe, I’m pretty sure you CAN win friends with salad

Now, go do your laundry that you’ve been putting off for a few days.