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.
Spelt Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Scallions
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare spelt according to package instructions and place in a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper over the bowl and toss well until spelt is evenly coated in vinaigrette.
- Stir in cheese cubes, apples, scallions and parsley. Toss again and check for seasoning before serving.
Shannon Christopher
October 30, 2015 at 10:57 amI can’t wait to try this salad! I have maybe a dumb question….is this served warm or cold? Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
October 31, 2015 at 2:46 pmAnyway you wish! We ate it cold because I prepped it head of time. :)
Joanne
May 11, 2015 at 6:01 pmApples and cheddar just get me every time! Loving this salad. So many great flavors in every bite.
Liz DellaCroce
May 12, 2015 at 8:34 pmGosh you and me both girl!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
May 8, 2015 at 9:25 amI adore all the stunning colors in this salad! So beautiful Liz!
Nicole
May 8, 2015 at 12:38 amThis is exactly the type of food I love to eat for lunch! Looks so tasty and satisfying!
Liz DellaCroce
May 8, 2015 at 4:51 pmYou and me both!!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
May 7, 2015 at 9:00 pmSo many gorgeous colors!! I want to swan dive into this beautiful thing!
Tina Jui | The Worktop
May 7, 2015 at 2:29 pmYum, this looks so healthy and delicious! Beautiful picture :)
Liz DellaCroce
May 7, 2015 at 4:18 pmThank you so much Tina!
Gerry @ foodnessgracious
May 7, 2015 at 1:47 pmSerious flavor bombs going on here, I bet it tastes amazing!!
Susan
May 7, 2015 at 12:13 pmThis 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
May 7, 2015 at 4:17 pmYes that’s a great idea!! We had it with grilled ribeye steaks. :)
Liz
May 7, 2015 at 10:35 amWhoa, all the marvelous textures and flavors in this salad make it irresistible!!!
Liz DellaCroce
May 7, 2015 at 4:17 pmThank you so much Liz!
Aggie
May 7, 2015 at 9:59 amoh my goodness I want this right now!!
Liz DellaCroce
May 7, 2015 at 4:17 pmAggie I couldn’t stop eating it!!