THE ULTIMATE SALAD RECIPE | Ancient Grain Salad

fetta cheese

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: ricotta

Tofu provides a lower-calorie option while ricotta is more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while canola is budget-friendly.

cherry tomatoes

🥗Healthier: heirloom tomatoes

💰Cheaper: regular tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are more nutritious, while regular tomatoes are less expensive.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried herbs are lower in calories, and frozen herbs are often cheaper.

Start by cooking 1 cup of pearl barley in salted water until tender.

While the barley cooks, prepare the sesame crusted feta by tossing feta cheese in sesame seeds.

Deep fry the sesame crusted feta in olive oil at a temperature of 130 to 140 degrees Celsius until golden and crispy.

Chop some dates and add them to the dressing along with lemon zest and juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil.

Once the barley is cooked, drain it and add 1 cup of quinoa to the same pot to cook together.

After cooking, drain the barley and quinoa mixture and cool it down.

Chop fresh mint and coriander, then add them to the cooled grains along with salt and pepper.

Add chickpeas, pistachios, and almonds to the salad mixture.

Fold in half of the pomegranate seeds and reserve the rest for garnish.

Top the salad with the deep-fried sesame crusted feta and remaining pomegranate seeds.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens