Name: Nutty Grain Salad
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves: 6
Ingredients: 250g cooked, mixed grains; 250g cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bunch of French breakfast radishes, halved; 100g Cooks&Co Sweety Drop Peppers or Peppadew peppers; 50g dried cranberries; 60g pomegranate seeds; 25g pistachios, chopped; Fresh mint, to serve; For the dressing:; Juice of 1 large lemon; 6tbsp olive oil

Using a cooked bag of mixed grains, you can quickly and easily make this nutty grain salad to accompany anything from meat, to fish, to just having it as a stand alone dish. Mixed grains are not only really filling, but they’re also really good for you. They’re high in amino acids, protein and a multitude of vitamins and minerals. If you’re making this recipe around Christmas, this is a great way to vary your diet a little, as during the festive period, we often over-indulge and tend to eat a lot of rich foods, especially meat and carbs. This might be a good way to change things up, especially as it’s full of nutritious cherry tomatoes and even pomegranate seeds.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s colourful, full of flavour and really easy to make, this nutty grain salad is exactly what you’re after and would make a great dinner party recipe. The chopped pistachios and pomegranate give this recipe a lovely varying texture, and the tomatoes and mint add a Christmassy feel to it. Dish this up to your family or friends and they’ll be really wowed by not only the appearance, but also the taste of this lovely salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

HOW TO MAKE A NUTTY GRAIN SALAD

Ingredients

250g cooked, mixed grains
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bunch of French breakfast radishes, halved
100g Cooks&Co Sweety Drop Peppers or Peppadew peppers
50g dried cranberries
60g pomegranate seeds
25g pistachios, chopped
Fresh mint, to serve
For the dressing:
Juice of 1 large lemon
6tbsp olive oil

Method

Cook the grains according to the pack instructions. Put into a bowl to cool and add the lemon juice and oil with plenty of seasoning.
Once cool, add the tomatoes, radishes, peppers, cranberries and pomegranates. Toss to combine. Add the nuts and mint – if you’re making it ahead, which you can do a day earlier, add these just before serving.