Grain and Fruit Salad

I’ll have to think of a clever name for this salad that I made for a potluck picnic today.  It’s a combination of a couple of recipes.  One I had, one I vaguely remembered but can’t find the little slip of paper it was written on, and ingredients on-hand rather than what it called for.  You know the one.

Salad

• 1 16-oz package Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
• 1 cup orange segments cut in small pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup minced parsley

Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp agave nectar
• grated rind of one orange*
• 2 Tbsp orange juice
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl;
2. Combine the dressing ingredients and pour over grain mixture, tossing thoroughly;
3. Chill.  This can be made a couple of hours ahead so the grains and pasta soak up the dressing.

* I know you are using as many organic or locally grown ingredients as possible, but when it comes to citrus rind, always, always use organic.

Party goers gave this salad

 

dawn