Mediterranean Grain Salad with Olives

Short description

A vibrant, wholesome grain salad tossed with briny olives, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil vinaigrette—perfect as a side or a light, healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean grain salad combines nutty whole grains with the bright flavors of lemon, the richness of olive oil, and the boldness of briny olives. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and ideal for everything from weekday lunches to picnic spreads. The ingredients are simple, but the result is deeply satisfying and full of flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Whole grain (farro, quinoa, bulgur, or spelt)

• Castelvetrano or Kalamata olives

• Fresh parsley

• Fresh mint or cilantro (optional)

• Shallots or red onion

• Lemon (zest and juice)

• Olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Kosher salt

directions

1. Cook the grain according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and allow it to cool.

2. Finely chop the olives, parsley, mint (if using), and shallot or red onion.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled grain with the chopped ingredients.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.

5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 to 8 servings as a side dish

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free version.

• Add chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables for more substance.

• Mix in crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for extra richness.

• Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for added crunch.

• Use lime juice or orange zest in the vinaigrette for a different citrus profile.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the grains and herbs may deteriorate.

• Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature. If needed, let it sit out of the fridge for 15–20 minutes and toss with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

What grains work best for this salad?

Farro, quinoa, bulgur, spelt, or brown rice all work well. Choose one based on your dietary preferences and texture preference.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice, the salad will be entirely gluten-free.

What kind of olives should I use?

Castelvetrano olives offer a mild, buttery flavor, while Kalamata olives bring a stronger, briny taste. Either works depending on your preference.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. This salad actually improves in flavor after a few hours in the fridge. Make it up to two days in advance.

How long will it keep in the fridge?

It will keep well in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are preferred for brightness, but you can substitute dried herbs if needed. Use a smaller amount—typically one-third the quantity.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna make great additions to turn this into a hearty main dish.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it is naturally vegan as long as you don’t add cheese or animal-based protein.

Do I need to rinse the grains before cooking?

It’s a good idea to rinse grains like quinoa to remove bitterness. Other grains may not require rinsing but check package instructions.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Grain Salad with Olives is a fresh, hearty dish packed with flavor and nutritional value. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean flair. With simple steps and endless variation options, this salad can become a staple in your weekly rotation.