Looking for a unique salad to serve all summer long? This Summer Mixed Grain Salad is easy, can be made ahead, and is delicious. It is also attractive on a buffet table, and makes enough for a crowd. Although the Rice & Ancient Grains medley is great in this salad, you can use any rice mix or mixture of grains (such as quinoa, wild rice, bulgur, wheatberries, etc.) that you like. The salad has the flavors of the classic margherita salad with basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, but has some additional ingredients to add crunch and use up the produce in your garden.

Perfect for a backyard barbecue or picnic, this yummy salad can be made two or three days ahead. It’s also a great salad to take to a pot luck gathering. As a bonus, it is even fairly nutritious. If you’re tired of the same old salads, you’ll want to try this new one.

12 Servings


1 cup rice & Ancient Grains (blend of rice, bulgur, barley, wheat berries), or your favorite rice or grain medley
2 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth

1 cup diced red onions
2 cups diced cucumbers
1 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced very thin
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls

Dressing
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, (or to taste)

1. Cook the rice medley in the vegetable broth until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender. If using other rice medleys or quinoa, cook according to package directions. Cool.
2. Mix the red onion, cucumbers, zucchini, basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls in a serving bowl.
3. Stir in the rice medley.
4. Toss with the dressing.
5. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
6. Dressing: Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a magicBullet or blender. Whizz until well mixed.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 181 Calories from Fat 103
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 57% Protein 14% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g 18%
Saturated Fat 4 g 19%
Cholesterol 14 mg 5%
Sodium 402 mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 13 g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 5%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 6 g

Vitamin A 16% Vitamin C 18% Calcium 0% Iron 3%