A hearty and flavor-packed whole grain salad made with chewy spelt, crunchy apples and sharp cheddar cheese.
This Spelt Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Scallions is a fun twist on tabbouleh salad, one of my favorite Middle Eastern side dishes. In a nod to my mom and her famous after school snack, I decided to throw in creamy, sharp cheddar cheese and sweet, crunchy apples. The protein from the cheese and fiber from the apples create a nutritional powerhouse, any time of day.
For a nutty flavor and hearty texture, I swapped out the traditional bulgur wheat with spelt berries. If you’re not familiar with spelt, it’s an ancient grain that originated in the Near East over 8,000 years ago. I love using it because it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
For another nutritional boost, I added cubes of sharp cheddar. Not only does the cheese add a rich, creamy note but it provides added calcium, protein and other vitamins. To pull it all together, the salad is tossed with a sharp and tangy garlic mustard vinaigrette that will have you wanting more after each bite.
Your fork is waiting.
- 1 cup uncooked spelt prepared according to package instructions
- 1 juice of lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cut in bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup scallions minced
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
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Prepare spelt according to package instructions and place in a large salad bowl.
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Drizzle lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper over the bowl and toss well until spelt is evenly coated in vinaigrette.
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Stir in cheese cubes, apples, scallions and parsley. Toss again and check for seasoning before serving.
Disclosure: I am honored to be a Dairy Ambassador for Milk Means More. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.
Want more cheesy side dishes for summer? Check out these delicious ideas!
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Homemade Delish: Cheesy Zucchini and Summer Squash
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Weelicious: Cheesy Turkey Meatballs
Swing Eats: Frico: Parmesan Cheese Crackers (gluten-free)
The Mom 100: Leek, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche
FN Dish: 6 Ways to One-Up Side Dish Favorites with Cheese
Shannon Christopher
I can’t wait to try this salad! I have maybe a dumb question….is this served warm or cold? Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Anyway you wish! We ate it cold because I prepped it head of time. :)
Joanne
Apples and cheddar just get me every time! Loving this salad. So many great flavors in every bite.
Liz DellaCroce
Gosh you and me both girl!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
I adore all the stunning colors in this salad! So beautiful Liz!
Nicole
This is exactly the type of food I love to eat for lunch! Looks so tasty and satisfying!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both!!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
So many gorgeous colors!! I want to swan dive into this beautiful thing!
Tina Jui | The Worktop
Yum, this looks so healthy and delicious! Beautiful picture :)
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Tina!
Gerry @ foodnessgracious
Serious flavor bombs going on here, I bet it tastes amazing!!
Susan
This sounds wonderful. I love the chewy texture of the grain in salads like this. I think I’d add some sautéed pork or chicken and a veggie (broccoli?) to make it into a whole meal.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes that’s a great idea!! We had it with grilled ribeye steaks. :)
Liz
Whoa, all the marvelous textures and flavors in this salad make it irresistible!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Liz!
Aggie
oh my goodness I want this right now!!
Liz DellaCroce
Aggie I couldn’t stop eating it!!