How to prepare a spelt salad

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to incorporate whole grains into your diet, salad is a fantastic option. Spelt is an ancient grain that offers many nutritional benefits and its nutty flavor is a great addition to any salad. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing a tasty spelt salad that you can enjoy as a side dish or a main course.

First, let’s talk about the ingredients you will need for your spelt salad. For this recipe, you will require:

– 1 cup of cooked spelt: Start by rinsing your spelt under cold water and then cook it following the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, let it cool down.

– Assorted vegetables: The beauty of a spelt salad is that you can choose whichever vegetables you prefer. Common options include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, and carrots. Feel free to get creative and add any other vegetables you enjoy.

– Fresh herbs: Herbs can add a burst of flavor to your spelt salad. Consider using parsley, mint, or basil. Roughly chop them before adding them to the salad.

– Feta cheese or vegan alternative: Feta cheese complements the nutty flavor of spelt, but if you’re following a vegan diet, you can opt for a delicious vegan cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.

– Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works perfectly. You can also experiment with other dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette or a tahini-based dressing.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble your spelt salad. Here’s how:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spelt, chopped vegetables, and herbs.

2. Crumble the feta cheese or vegan alternative over the salad.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing until well combined.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the spelt salad and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.

5. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious spelt salad. You can serve it as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish, or as a satisfying main dish by adding some protein. To customize your salad even further, you can add extras such as roasted nuts, avocado, or dried cranberries.

Not only is this spelt salad tasty and versatile, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Spelt is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. It can aid in digestion, promote heart health, and help manage blood sugar levels. By incorporating spelt into your diet through this salad, you’re making a nutritious choice.

In conclusion, preparing a spelt salad is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Whether you’re a fan of vegetables, fresh herbs, or tangy dressings, the spelt salad allows you to customize it according to your preferences. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the goodness of this wholesome grain in a delightful salad.