This week's Autumn Barley, Lentil and Apple Salad is the perfect salad for the crisp cool days ahead! This satisfying dish combines protein-rich lentils and fiber-packed barley with crisp, sweet apples for a nourishing and delicious seasonal treat. From my popular Kale and Apple Salad and Apple Cider Cinnamon Mules to my Healthy Apple Oat Pancakes, I've got all the apple recipes for you to indulge in this season!
Things To Love About This Salad
There is definitely something to be said about eating fresh seasonal ingredients. Autumn conjures up images of rich, organic earth and all the magnificent colors associated with harvesting. The food I love to cook with mirrors those same characteristics and colors. That was the inspiration behind this week's post. The rich warmth of the earthy green lentils and festive reds of fresh picked apples and cream colored barley are so visually appealing. After all, we eat with our eyes as well.
This salad has so much going for it...protein, fiber, iron, B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, not to mention cholesterol lowering beta-glucans, from the barley. That's what I love about a plant-based diet! When you consume a variety of plant foods each day you don't have to think about any of that! All you have to do is enjoy the food you're sitting down to eat!
Salad Flavor and Texture Profile
So let's talk about all the layers of flavor and texture.
The creamy lentils, combined with the chewy nutty barley and crisp sweet apples is wonderful by itself. But the dressing is really what brings it all together. This week I also posted about my favorite fall dressing that I use in salads like this. But instead of using maple syrup in salad dressing recipe, I used honey. Either one works well, but I liked the addition of a little drizzle of honey on top for some extra sweetness.
Ways To Enjoy This Salad
You can add the lentil salad to mixed greens or lettuce cups for a quick lunch or you can scoop onto some whole grain crackers for a tasty snack to get you through the afternoon!
If you're spending some time at the orchards this weekend, make sure you save an apple or two to make this delicious treat!
Have a great first weekend of fall!
Autumn Barley, Lentil and Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked green lentils
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1 cup chopped apples any variety of sweet/tart cubed with skin on
- 1 red onion diced
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- handful fresh parsley roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup Favorite Salad Fall Dressing
Instructions
- Combine all solid ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add the dressing and toss.
- Season to taste with sea salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra honey if desired.
Notes
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Nutrition
I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
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