Millet salad with vegetables is a wholesome, refreshing, and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a side dish. Packed with the goodness of millet, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here’s how you can make this delightful salad at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 1 cup millet (any variety like pearl millet, foxtail millet, or finger millet)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
• For the Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Millet:
   • Rinse the millet under cold water to remove any impurities.
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
   • Add the millet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the millet is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   • Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • While the millet is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, grate the carrot, and chop the parsley or cilantro.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled millet with the prepared vegetables.
   • Add the crumbled feta cheese and toasted seeds if using.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the millet salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed immediately, but letting it sit for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins like avocado, olives, or roasted vegetables.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
• To add a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas, black beans, or grilled chicken to the salad.

Millet salad with vegetables is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. It’s a great way to incorporate more whole grains and fresh produce into your diet, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy this colorful, nutritious, and flavorful salad as a refreshing addition to your meal repertoire!

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