Hearty Layered Salad
A satisfying main dish salad combining roasted vegetables, hearty grains, and protein topped with a bright vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Grain base
- 1 cup farro or quinoa, rinsed (quinoa for gluten-free)
Mixed greens
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby kale, arugula, or spinach)
Roasted vegetables
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and patted dry (or 2 boneless chicken thighs)
Toppings
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or vegan feta
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley and/or cilantro Fresh herbs
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- pinch smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin for chickpeas (optional)
- 1 tsp za'atar for roasted veg (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss diced sweet potato, bell pepper, and onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Spread in a single layer.
- If using chickpeas: toss them with 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper and add to the sheet; if using chicken, season and roast on a separate tray.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until sweet potato is tender and edges caramelize. Chickpeas should be crisp on the outside.
Cooking the grain
- Meanwhile, cook farro or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside; keep warm.
Making the dressing
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine warm grain, roasted vegetables, half the dressing, and chopped herbs. Toss to coat — the warm grains will absorb flavor.
- Layer mixed greens on plates, top with the grain-vegetable mix, add avocado slices, seeds, and feta. Drizzle with remaining dressing and finish with a crack of black pepper.
Notes
Serve slightly warm to allow flavors to meld. For added heartiness, top with sliced warm chicken or a soft-boiled egg. Can be customized with olives, lemon wedges, or served alongside potato dishes.