Multigrain Salad
Quick answer
- Total time
- 38 min
- Level
- Medium
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Ingredients
- 8
About this dish
Brown rice, barley, and lentils are each boiled separately and cooled before being combined, so that every grain contributes its own distinct size and texture to the finished bowl.
Read more
The brown rice stays chewy, the barley holds a thick bite, and the lentils offer a soft give that rounds out the contrast. Julienned cucumber and red onion introduce crunch and a mild sharpness that keep the heavier grains from feeling dense. Halved cherry tomatoes release juice as a natural supplement to the dressing, and a mixture of perilla oil and apple cider vinegar ties the bowl together with nuttiness and clean acidity. Adding sliced red chili or diced bell pepper extends the color and sweetness without changing the character of the dish. It holds well at room temperature, which makes it practical for meal prep and packed lunches. The combination of dietary fiber and plant protein means a moderate portion keeps hunger at bay for several hours.
Ingredients
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Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Heat
Make sure the cooked brown rice, barley, and lentils are completely cool before mixing.
If any grains still feel warm, spread them on a tray for about 20 minutes so the vegetables stay crisp.
- 2Season
Cut the cucumber into thin strips and slice the red onion finely.
If the onion smells too sharp, soak it in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well so it does not water down the salad.
- 3Season
Halve the cherry tomatoes so their juice can help season the bowl.
Add the cooled grains to a large mixing bowl first, then loosen any clumps gently with a spoon before adding the vegetables.
- 4Season
Add the cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the grains.
Toss from the bottom upward with light movements, avoiding heavy pressure so the lentils keep some shape and the salad stays textured.
- 5Season
Drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the salad first so the acidity coats the grains evenly.
Add the perilla oil at the end, then toss only until it smells nutty and glossy.
- 6Season
Chill the salad for 15 minutes so the dressing settles into the grains.
Before serving, leave it at room temperature for 5 minutes, then fold once more to bring the tomato juices through.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Multigrain Salad features brown rice, barley, and lentils cooked for distinct, individual textures.
- Finish cue
- Add the perilla oil at the end, then toss only until it smells nutty and glossy.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official cooking and food safety guidance.
This recipe
38min, 8 ingredients
Category median
25min, 8 ingredients
Based on 189 recipes
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