Are you on the hunt for a nutritious, delicious, and macro-friendly dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep? Look no further than this vibrant Macro Friendly Grain Salad! Packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, it’s a fantastic way to fuel your day while keeping your macros in check. With the convenience of precooked quinoa and brown rice, this salad comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Let’s dive into why this salad deserves a spot on your table.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Macro Friendly Grain Salad is not just visually appealing; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Incorporating lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, it offers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied. The combination of quinoa and brown rice provides essential amino acids and fiber, while the addition of chicken, salami, and mozzarella boosts protein content. Plus, the vibrant colors from fresh veggies make this salad not only healthy but also appetizing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad checks all the boxes.

What’s in the Bowl

Creating this delicious Macro Friendly Grain Salad is simple with the following ingredients:

2 packages Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic (precooked from Costco)
2 light mozzarella cheese sticks (I used Frigo)
12 slices light salami cut into bite-size pieces (I used Gallo)
3 oz cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces (I used Fresh Additions)
1/4 cup fat-free feta cheese
1 whole Roma tomato, diced
1 whole green bell pepper, diced
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup light Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Equipment & Tools

To whip up this Macro Friendly Grain Salad, you’ll need a few simple tools:

Large mixing bowl – for combining all your ingredients.
Cutting board – for chopping your vegetables and proteins.
Sharp knife – to make slicing and dicing effortless.
Measuring cups – for accurate ingredient portions.
Spoon or spatula – for mixing everything together.

From Start to Finish: Macro Friendly Grain Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Grains

Start by heating the Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic according to the package instructions. This usually takes just a few minutes in the microwave. Once done, let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

While the grains are heating, take your cutting board and knife to chop the Roma tomato, green bell pepper, and scallions. Set them aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Cube the Proteins

Next, cut the light salami and cooked chicken breast into bite-size pieces. This makes it easy to mix and enjoy in every bite of your salad.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In the large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa and brown rice, chopped vegetables, salami, chicken, and mozzarella cheese sticks (cut them into small pieces). Gently fold everything together.

Step 5: Add the Feta and Dressing

Sprinkle the fat-free feta cheese over your salad, and drizzle the light Olive Garden Salad Dressing. Stir gently to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed and every ingredient is coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Macro Friendly Grain Salad is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for a refreshing meal later.

Make It Fit Your Plan

This salad is highly adaptable! Here are some ways to make it fit your dietary preferences:

Swap the salami for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option.
Use a different type of cheese, such as reduced-fat cheddar or goat cheese, depending on your taste.
Add more veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Incorporate different dressings based on your flavor preferences—try balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing.

Problems & Prevention

While preparing this Macro Friendly Grain Salad is straightforward, keep these tips in mind to avoid common issues:

Ensure your grains are properly heated to avoid any cold spots in the salad.
Chop your veggies uniform in size for even mixing and presentation.
Don’t over-dress the salad; start with less dressing and add more if needed to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

How to Store & Reheat

This Macro Friendly Grain Salad is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

You can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep it for a longer period, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s freshness. When ready to eat, simply drizzle with dressing, stir, and enjoy! If you prefer it warm, you can microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily omit the chicken and salami and add more vegetables or some chickpeas for protein. It will still be delicious and filling!

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

This salad is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the ingredients, especially the dressing, are labeled gluten-free. Most salad dressings are, but it’s always good to check!

Can I use frozen quinoa and brown rice instead of precooked?

Yes! Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the salad. Pre-cooked options are just more convenient for a quick meal.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

Definitely! This Macro Friendly Grain Salad keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat!

Let’s Eat

Now that you have all the steps and tips to create your own Macro Friendly Grain Salad, it’s time to dig in! With its colorful presentation and a combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Not only is it satisfying, but it also aligns perfectly with your nutritional goals. Enjoy this delightful dish solo or pair it with a protein of your choice for an even heartier meal. Happy eating!