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Home » Salads

24 Grain-Based Salads Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Lunches

Published: Jan 5, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Grain-based salads are a great way to pack balance, diversity, and convenience into your meals without overthinking it. These recipes keep things simple while giving you tons of room to mix and match textures, flavors, and fresh ingredients. They’re perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or easy sides that don’t feel boring. Whether you're planning for the week or grabbing something on the go, these salads are proof that healthy eating can actually be easy and satisfying.

A fresh, colorful, and wholesome bowl of vegan couscous salad with tofu and a drizzle of dressing to finish it off.
Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Kale Quinoa Salad

Overhead image of kale quinoa salad with a spoon.
Kale Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Kale quinoa salad combines fresh greens and protein-packed grains for a nutrient-rich option. This grain-based salad is great for any season, whether as a side or a light main.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

A glass bowl filled with quinoa, dried cranberries, and pecans.
Cranberry Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Vegan quinoa salad pairs dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish. This grain-based salad is perfect for seasonal gatherings or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad

Overhead image of middle eastern quinoa salad on a plate.
Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Middle Eastern quinoa salad channels traditional tabbouleh flavors with a modern twist. This grain-based salad is herbaceous and bright, making it versatile for meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad

Gluten Free Millet Tabbouleh

Overhead image of millet tabbouleh on a plate.
Gluten Free Millet Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Millet tabbouleh swaps millet for bulgur, delivering the classic herbaceous flavors of this dish. This grain-based salad is a refreshing option for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Millet Tabbouleh

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Close-up image of mediterranean couscous salad with smoked tomatoes.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean couscous salad with smoked tomatoes features bold flavors and hearty textures. This grain-based salad is a versatile option for lunches or side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, and herbs served in a bowl, with a lemon, a red onion, and additional bowls on the side.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

With cucumbers, fresh herbs, and chickpeas, this quinoa salad is topped with a lemony dressing and crunchy pistachios for added texture. Refreshing yet filling, it’s a great grain-based salad for meal prep, quick lunches, or as a light side dish.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Couscous Salad With Tofu

A fresh, colorful, and wholesome bowl of vegan couscous salad with tofu and a drizzle of dressing to finish it off.
Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan couscous salad with tofu brings fresh vegetables and a light lemon dressing together. This grain-based salad is an excellent choice for lunches, dinners, or plant-based options.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad With Tofu

Wheat Berry Salad

Close-up image of wheat berry salad on a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Wheatberry salad is filled with peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and chickpeas for a nutrient-rich dish. This chewy grain-based salad is great for summer cookouts or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad

Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing

Close-up image of bulgur salad with orange dijon dressing.
Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bulgur salad with orange Dijon dressing brings together nutty grains and a tangy-sweet profile that works well for meal prep. It’s a nourishing grain-based salad that adds variety to your lunches or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing

Wheatberry Currant Salad

Close-up image of wheatberry currant salad in a bowl.
Wheatberry Currant Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Wheatberry currant salad is a chewy, cinnamon-spiced dish with tart currants and honey-orange dressing. This grain-based salad is great for potlucks or as a sweet side.
Get the Recipe: Wheatberry Currant Salad

Barley Butternut Squash Salad

An image of Barley Butternut Squash Salad.
Barley Butternut Squash Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This barley butternut squash salad mixes tart pomegranate and cranberries with earthy rosemary, tossed in cranberry vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant grain-based salad perfect for fall or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Barley Butternut Squash Salad

Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad

Close-up of an overhead image of quinoa mango spinach salad in a bowl.
Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quinoa mango spinach salad blends sweet mango, spinach, and quinoa for a bright and easy dish. This grain-based salad is perfect for quick meals or a vegetarian main course.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad

Lemon Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Walnuts

Lemon quinoa with roasted grapes and walnuts in a saucer.
Lemon Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Walnuts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon quinoa with roasted grapes and walnuts balances fruity and earthy flavors for a unique dish. This grain-based salad works well for light lunches or adding variety to meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Walnuts

Summer Barley Salad

A bowl of Barley Kale and Cherry Salad.
Summer Barley Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Barley salad with zucchini, tomatoes, and feta highlights fresh seasonal produce in a wholesome dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful grain-based salad that’s great for late summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Summer Barley Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Overhead image of mediterranean quinoa salad on a plate.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mediterranean quinoa salad mixes fresh vegetables, beans, and herbs in every bite. This grain-based salad is a versatile choice for light lunches, family dinners, or flavorful sides.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Orzo & Shrimp Salad

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo & Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean orzo salad features shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a lemony herb dressing. This quick grain-based salad works equally well as a light meal or refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo & Shrimp Salad

Quinoa Taco Salad

Quinoa taco salad in a large glass bowl with diced avocado and shredded cheese on top, next to a small bowl of salsa.
Quinoa Taco Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Quinoa taco salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs in a salsa dressing. This grain-based salad is a quick and nutrient-rich option for meal prep or casual dining.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Taco Salad

Bulgur Salad With Feta, Blood Orange, Pomegranate and Herbs

Close-up image of bulgur salad with feta blood orange pomegranate and herbs.
Bulgur Salad With Feta, Blood Orange, Pomegranate and Herbs. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mediterranean bulgur salad blends fresh parsley, mint, and blood oranges with feta and pomegranate seeds. This grain-based salad is a quick, colorful addition to meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Feta, Blood Orange, Pomegranate and Herbs

Couscous Salad

Image shows a closeup of an enameled cast iron pan filled with a vegan couscous salad.
Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This couscous salad brings together fresh vegetables, tender grains, and a bright lemon dressing for a well-rounded dish. Perfect as a main or a side, it’s a versatile grain-based salad that fits seamlessly into meal prep or everyday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Bulgur Salad

A white plate with tomato and cucumber bulgur salad topped with feta cheese next to two grilled chicken skewers.
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Mediterranean grain salad pairs cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and red onions with a lemon mint vinaigrette. This grain-based salad is a refreshing choice for busy lunches or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Bulgur Salad

Italian Rice Salad

Close-up image of italian rice salad in a bowl.
Italian Rice Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Italian rice salad combines rice, vegetables, and herbs into a flavorful dish that’s easy to make. This grain-based salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual lunches.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Citrus asparagus couscous features tender asparagus, bright citrus, and fluffy couscous for a vibrant meal. This grain-based salad is quick to prepare and great for busy weeknights or BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks

An image of Bulgur Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks.
Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This bulgur salad blends roasted butternut squash, leeks, and rosemary in a savory, garlic-forward dish. It’s a hearty grain-based salad that’s perfect for weeknight meals or dinner tables.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad With Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks

Vegetable Moroccan Couscous

A close up image of Vegetable Moroccan Couscous in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Vegetable Moroccan Couscous. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Vegetable Moroccan couscous brings roasted veggies and warm spices together in a flavorful dish. This grain-based salad works as a hearty vegetarian main or a colorful side.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Moroccan Couscous

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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