This dish has been a hit whenever I've brought it to a gathering. Sweet, fresh and crunchy, it is a good balance to a lot of the heavier casseroles you tend to find at pot luck events. Be ready to share the recipe!
Whole grains are great to use as a base in salads because they add substance, but are firm enough to retain their texture after the dressing has been added. In fact, this salad improves with a little marinating in the fridge!
We have a couple of gatherings we go to that are a good thirty minute drive from us and there is always a fight for the oven to reheat dishes when we get there. This salad travels well and is actually better served at room temperature. Carrying the empty bowl home is never a problem!
Festive Bulgur Wheat Salad
Salad
4 cups cooked bulgur wheat, cooled to room temperature
1/2 cup mandarin oranges, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 large stalks of celery sliced thin
1/4 cup dry roasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
4 scallions (white and light green parts) chopped
Zest of one orange
Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
3 tsp.orange juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
Toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients and add in batches to the salad, gently tossing, Add just enough to coat. Refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped flat leaf parsley if desired.
If you bring leftovers home, add some chopped cooked chicken for an amazing lunch.
See you in the kitchen,
Sue
Made this tonight for a pot luck tomorrow. Had to taste it. SO GOOD! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like it!
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