If you’ve been a reader of Running on Happy for any amount of time, but particularly the last several weeks, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of our CSA. There’s always something amazing to be had in the bag we receive each week. At this time of year it’s often overflowing with things like kale, onions, and even berries.
A few weeks ago I received spelt berries in the bag. I love spelt berries. If you’ve never heard of them, they’re a grain but can be used like a rice. Really versatile and a great texture and flavor. Learn more about spelt berries here (including how to cook them for this recipe!).
Today’s recipe is as easy as they come. And it’s a great dish to take to a holiday get-together. If you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for about a week. It’s an easy pasta salad with a modern twist and features spelt berries, two different cheeses, and the dressing of your choosing. I hope you enjoy it!
Easy Pasta Salad with Spelt Berries
Ingredients
- 6 oz spiral pasta, cooked
- 2 C spelt berries, cooked*
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 leaves red Russian kale
- 1 Tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 C vinaigrette of your choosing
Directions
Place the cooked pasta and spelt berries in a large bowl. Gently massage the kale until it has released some firmness and becomes soft. Tear into bite-sized pieces and place in the bowl. Add all remaining ingredients and toss gently to combine. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before serving. If you make this dish a day or so ahead of time, be sure to taste-test. You may need to add a bit more dressing before serving as the pasta and spelt will soak it up.
Like I said, easy pasta salad. It’s a great dish to make ahead for a party or picnic, and you can even halve the recipe to have on-hand for meals at home! It’s nutritious, unique, and I promise you’ll love it. Enjoy!
xo
TALK TO ME!
Have you had spelt berries?
What are your plans for the 4th?
24 Comments
Well, this sounds delish! I’ve never heard of spelt berries. What a great way to use them!
They’re delish. Easy to toss on salads, eaten as a warm side in lieu of rice or pasta, and can mix in to other side salads. I hope you try them!
I have not used spelt berries in a while. I’ve been loving pasta salads lately
Spelt berries are delish!
I love pasta salads! I’ve never used spelt berries before! I need to try this!
They’re delicious and really easy to use in just about anything.
I try no two eat a lot of pasta, but this recipe is totally worth splurging on! Looks and sounds amazing!! 🙂
It’s simple and yummy. Definitely worth the splurge, in my opinion!
I’ve never heard of spelt berries but now I’m intrigued!
Try them! They’re tasty! And they pick up basically any flavor you put on them which makes them really easy to cook with.
Spelt berries are good, although I haven’t had them in a while! This salad looks yummy and I love how easy it is to make!
Thanks, Cyndi! We usually get a bag of spelt berries and it lasts us about a year (it’s a big bag…). I got the new bag just as I ran out of the last one!
Never heard of spelt berries…..glad you didn’t mix them with bananas 😉 Are they readily available?
That’s a good question and I’m not sure I can answer that. If your grocery does have them, they’re likely in the health food area or by the dried rices or flours. You could also look in the bulk section by the rices and lentils and things.
Very neat. I’ve heard of spelt but never saw the spelt berries.
We are going to see fireworks tonight and then have a neighborhood BBQ tomorrow with sparklers and stuff for the kids. It will be lots of fun and low-key.
Sounds like a lot of fun! That’s one thing I didn’t get this year is sparklers… hopefully my kids forget about them. 😉
This looks so good – my mouth literally watered!
🙂 And that’s the sign of a delicious recipe. Lol! Hope you enjoy it.
So now I have to try spelt berries!!
I would agree with that statement. 🙂
I’ve never heard of spelt berries, and of course I thought they were…berries! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I love pasta salad–especially in the summer!
? don’t feel bad. I thought they were the first time I heard the description!
I admit, I have never heard of a spelt berry! This looks like an easy and yummy dish to make!
Spelt berries are amazing! They’re super versatile. If you find them in the grocery you should try them.