Bring a medium pot of water to a rapid boil. Add the stock and Simply Wholesome Pantry Quick Cook Grains, then let them cook for 10 minutes. Remove, drain, and set aside.
In a frying-pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini and broccolini, and pan-fry for about 2-3 minutes until lightly charred and cooked, but still retaining some bite.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains with spinach, red peppers, spring onion, chicken breast, mint, lightly charred zucchini, broccolini, and almonds. Mix well.
Drizzle with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, then toss to coat. Season well with salt & pepper.
Don’t overcook the veggies, a light char is perfect.
Toast almonds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for dinner or cold as a packed lunch.
Great with a side of hummus or tzatziki.
Can be wrapped in flatbread for an on-the-go meal.
Storage Advice
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best enjoyed fresh or slightly reheated.
Substitutions
Chicken: Swap for roast chickpeas or grilled tofu for vegetarian.
Grains: Use quinoa, brown rice, or couscous if preferred.
Almonds: Sub with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for nut-free.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It holds up well for a few days and is ideal for meal prep.2. Can I use leftover roast chicken? Absolutely. Leftover roast or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.3. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as the grains used are gluten-free (millet and lentils typically are).4. Can I make it dairy-free? This recipe is naturally dairy-free.5. What if I don’t have stock? You can cook the grains in plain water, just season them well after cooking.
Helpful Hints
Batch-cook the grains ahead for even quicker prep.
For extra zing, add a spoonful of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Use whatever green vegetables you have on hand—asparagus, green beans, or peas all work beautifully.