Originally by Natural Grocers: [www.naturalgrocers.com]

DESCRIPTION
Millet, a tiny high-fiber, whole grain that is naturally gluten free, is a delicious and nutritious alternative grain—it’s also a climate-resilient crop that’s able to grow in high temperatures with less rainfall. This hearty, yet fresh salad showcases this versatile grain and is bursting with flavor from fresh parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic brightens it up.

SERVES
4-6
TOTAL TIME
50 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2⁄3 cup Natural Grocers Brand® Bulk Organic Millet
1 1⁄3 cups filtered water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt, divided
juice and zest of 1 large organic lemon (~4 tablespoons juice and 2 teaspoons zest)
1⁄4 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 organic garlic clove, finely minced or crushed
1 cup organic grape tomatoes, quartered
1 cup organic cucumber, seeds removed and diced or sliced
1 large bunch organic parsley, thick stems removed and leaves finely chopped
1⁄4 cup organic mint leaves, finely chopped
5 organic green onions, green and white parts thinly sliced
Optional add-ins
Natural Grocers Brand Organic Sliced Kalamata Olives
Natural Grocers Brand Organic Garbanzo Beans
organic feta cheese (omit for dairy free or vegan version)

DIRECTIONS

1. Rinse and strain the millet and set aside until water is boiling.

2. In a small saucepan with a lid, bring the water to a boil, add ½ teaspoon salt and the millet, stir, cover, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook covered for 25 minutes, then remove the lid, fluff with a fork, cover again and let sit for 5 minutes. Uncover and let the steam evaporate for an additional 5 minutes.

3. In a salad bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, and remaining salt. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, and green onions to the salad bowl. Toss to combine.

4. Add the millet, one or two scoops at a time. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until all ingredients are incorporated.

5. Serve immediately or chill as desired. This recipe is fresh and filling and a perfect side dish for any protein, especially grilled poultry, meat, or fish; also pairs well with tempeh or tofu.

Note: Whole grains like millet are most nutritious when soaked overnight, or 8 hours. To soak the millet, place it in a saucepan, cover with filtered water (about 1-inch above the millet), add 1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, stir together and leave for 8 hours. After soaking, follow the above instructions to rinse and prepare the millet.

Note: Natural Grocers Brand Bulk ingredients are packaged in a plant that processes gluten.