weekday petit-dejeuner: whole-grain salads for lunch

image via {martha stewart}

hello darlings! now that fall is in full swing, & workday workweek has resumed with a zeal, lunch has once again become an important consideration.  buying out everyday can become quite expensive & may not be the healthiest option, but often mornings are rushed & both preparing & packing a wholesome lunch simply is not an option.  & this is where the whole-grain salad comes in.  i love the idea of a healthy whole grain salad with veggies & goat cheese or feta & nuts, all tossed with a beautiful vinaigrette.  quinoa is possibly the perfect base to employ here, as it is actually a complete protein & is très satisfying.  & the best part is, of course, that these salads can be prepared easily on a sunday afternoon & portioned out & you will be absolument ready for the week ahead.  i like martha stewart's quinoa and apple salad with curry dressing & quinoa and corn salad with pumpkin seeds & a food network fall - winter recipe for farro salad with apples, pomegranate seeds & pine nuts {farro is an ancient whole grain, nutty & delicious}.  any thoughts on these substantial salads for lunch? do give one of the recipes a try.  

hope you had the most lovely tuesday.  i was given such a treat today in getting up close&personal with a few amazing pieces of newport furniture from the 18th century.  another week is flying by, with brian atwood launch party tomorrow & kate spade on thurs.  what a delightful whirlwind . . .   

p.s. also be sure to check out the article from martha stewart september : "going with the grains" for more wonderful lunch recipes {not yet available online}