Bright & Vibrant Spring Grain Bowl

Spring is finally in full effect, which for us in the Pacific Northwest means that Seattle is coming to life after a long, restful winter slumber. From tulips to lilacs, my city is bursting at the seams with color and I can’t get enough of it. As the days slowly begin to get warmer, many of my hearty, comforting meals are slowly being replaced with fresh and vibrant meals, like this incredibly satisfying spring grain bowl.

Grain bowls have been a favorite go-to meal of mine for a while now. Not only are they satisfying, but they’re also incredibly versatile, which is always a plus in my book. The key to beginning a great grain bowl is simple: all you really need is some type of grain and an assortment of your favorite veggies. But most importantly, you need a flavorful dressing. For this recipe I made a tangy, honey-garlic vinaigrette which pairs perfectly with all of the fresh produce in the bowl. To get the recipe for the dressing, make sure to head over to my blog.

For this particular bowl, I ended up using farro, which is a vitamin packed-grain I just can’t get enough of. I especially love making this spring grain bowl because it satisfies my cravings for something light, yet filling — plus it has an assortment of vibrant colors, making it a feast for the eyes. This is one of those meals that I will be making until the colder months come, which thankfully won’t be for quite some time.

This salad finds its perfect companion in a glass of La Crema’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Its pleasant notes of wild fruit and spices create a wonderful contrast to the flavors you’ll find in the spring grain bowl. Enjoy!