Costco Autumn Grain Salad Recipe

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

23-01-2025

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Autumn is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season's bounty than with a hearty and flavorful salad? This recipe is inspired by the delicious offerings at Costco, but easily adaptable to your own pantry staples. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a fall gathering, or even a satisfying vegetarian main course.

A Simple Yet Satisfying Salad

This isn't your average limp lettuce salad. We're talking about a robust mix of grains, roasted vegetables, and a vibrant dressing that captures the essence of autumn. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what’s available at your local market.

Key Ingredients:

• Grains: The foundation of this salad is a mix of hearty grains like farro, quinoa, or barley. Costco often carries pre-mixed grain blends, saving you time and effort.
• Roasted Vegetables: The star of the show! Think butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onions. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful caramelization. If you're short on time, you can use pre-roasted vegetables from Costco's produce section.
• Dried Cranberries or Cherries: A burst of tartness to balance the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
• Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch.
• Cheese (Optional): Crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Dressing: A simple vinaigrette using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Grains: Cook your chosen grains according to package directions. Rinse them thoroughly once cooked to remove excess starch.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, roasted vegetables, dried cranberries/cherries, and nuts.
4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
5. Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add crumbled cheese, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Variations and Tips:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted tofu.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
• Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together nicely!

This Costco-inspired Autumn Grain Salad is a versatile and delicious recipe that's perfect for any fall occasion. Enjoy!