Nutty Grain Salad

Who feels like baking right now?  None of us!  I have really been into making new and different salads this summer; Chinese Chicken, Black Bean Quinoa, etc.  My latest experiment was recreating my absolutely favorite salad at Trader Joe’s, the Nutty Grain Salad.

 

TJ’s has only been in Colorado about 6 months and I am IN LOVE!  I stood in line with my closest several hundred friends on opening day ’cause I already had a crush on TJ.  It’s developed into a full blown love affair and this salad is one of the reasons why!

Strudel and I have been known on several occasions to text each other with pictures of the latest and greatest things each other has to try from TJ’s.

In an effort to remember the components I precariously peeled off the ingredients label while eating lunch at work and stuck it to a sticky note.

I am pleased to announce that I think my creation is even better.  Sorry TJ.  I don’t feel guilty about saying it either because I got pretty much every ingredient from Trader Joes so they are still getting my money!

 

Nutty Grain Salad

 

inspired by Trader Joe’s version

 

1 c. dry quinoa (cooked)

1 c. TJ’s dry 10 minute barley (cooked)

1 c. unsalted peanuts

2 carrots, peeled and shredded

1/4 c. chopped cilantro

1/2 c. TJ’s 50% less salt pistachios (shelled of course)

1/4 c. TJ’s roasted salted sunflower seeds

1 c. TJ’s fully cooked edamame (shelled)

1/2 c. TJ’s Island Soyaki marinade and sauce

 

Once the quinoa and barley are cooked and cooled a bit combine in a large bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Add the soyaki last and toss together.  Cover and refrigerate for about an hour before serving.  Makes 6 to 8 generous servings.  Perfect summer meal without turning on the oven!

 

 

Posted on July 19, 2014
This entry was posted in appetizers, brunch, dinner, favorites in Colorado, healthy, quick and easy, vegetarian and tagged barley, edamame, Island Soyaki, Nutty Grain Salad, quinoa, Summer salads, Trader Joe's.