Make Ahead

A Salad with Spelt Whole Grains

by:
March 21, 2011
3.7
3 Ratings
A Salad with Spelt Whole Grains
  • Makes 2 3/4cups
Author Notes

Spelt flour is wonderful for baking, but I had never cooked spelt grains before. This is a salad I created after cooking the grains in almond milk rather than plain water. —Sagegreen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup of spelt grains
  • 2 1/2 cups almond milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup dried premium cherries
  • 1/8 cup dried premium cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sheep's milk feta cheese
  • juice of 1 lemon, Meyer preferred
  • 1 tablespoon fine extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 cup pepitas, toasted
  • sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • lemon wedges or twists for garnish
Directions
  1. Rinse and soak the spelt overnight in water. Then drain the water.
  2. Bring the almond milk to a gentle boil. Add the salt and the drained spelt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes. Stir and fluff.
  3. To the cooked spelt while still hot mix in the dried fruits, feta, and lemon juice. This helps the fruit plump up and the cheese ooze its way in to the mix. Drizzle in the olive oil. Just before serving, toast the pepitas (or substitute almonds) in a small pan and top the salad with them. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or cold with a lemon twist for garnish. Sneak in a few fresh chopped herbs if you like, too.
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4 Reviews

Temi
Temi September 18, 2018
Making this now and going to use hummus instead of feta. Hoping it will be nice substitute.
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour March 21, 2011
This looks healthy and delicious. Do you think it would work without the feta so as to be vegan?
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen March 21, 2011
Thanks, hla. I think this could work without the feta; it would then be great for breakfast. I might add some almonds without the cheese for another crunch. I do enjoy the tangy feta contrast especially for lunch. I also tried this with cigieline mozzarella, which was nice, but also not vegan. The almond milk was fun to use in place of plain water. Love spelt.
 
Sagegreen
Sagegreen March 21, 2011
Yes, it would also work w/o the feta as a simple, healthy side dish just as a rice substitute. I am now wondering why in the world did I give away my pomegranate liqueur to a friend! Will really be buying some again in April to try your incredible drink for special company.