I had a plan for lunch today. I had all of yesterday’s pizza topping leftovers (tomatoes, olives, goat cheese – oh my!) that I was hoping could be mixed with some chickpeas and a good grain. Unfortunately I was out of quinoa, rice, and most other “salad” grains.
Plan B? Rolled oats.
Why not? I’ve made savory oats before, and have found they’re an excellent replacement grain when it comes to things like soup or risotto. Surely they could work here.
I made the oats per usual (1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, chia seeds, salt) and when they were just about done I added chopped cherry tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, and goat cheese.
The oats were served on a bed of arugula and topped with walnuts.
Not bad. Not an exact replica of a grain salad dish, but also not a bad alternative. The dish was creamy and very comforting, the way the goat cheese melted and blended with the oats was what really made it work.
Also, I love the peppery flavor of arugula on the bottom. I really need to buy this green more often.
What’s the most creative thing you’ve made with oats?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Never would have thought of this combo….interesting!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted..wordless wednedsay.
I want to try savory oats but I’m not sure I can get past the mindset that they’re supposed to be sweet.. looks good though!
Jessica @ New Girl, New City recently posted..Thoughts
I’ve thrown oats in a food processor when I find I’m short on flour or bread crumbs. Perfect substitution!
Danielle @ Long May You Run recently posted..Garmin partners with GotR
I’ve made oat salad before. It’s not too bad actually. I used this recipe I saw on Top Chef so it was pretty time consuming but otherwise delicious
Samantha Angela recently posted..Travelling to Heraklion Crete
that looks great! I love doing savory oats, I’ve done them with all kinds of veggies and beans, I love putting nutritional yeast in the mix too!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..WIAW–2 Weeks Left of Work!
I’ve never had oats atop a salad! I’ve had ‘em in a smoothie before though! Not bad.
Annette @FitnessPerks recently posted..{Gym} Workout Essentials
The thought of that salad haunts me like your fried egg on top of pizza haunts me. You should go on Fear Factor because I think you would win.
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Workin’ on My Fitness
So creative love it
Amy recently posted..Body Awareness
i don’t used oats for savory….i prefer oat bran and i cook in water add garlic powder and salt and other spices and then at the end mix in nutritonal yeast for cheesiness! YUM!
I have never made a savory oat dish, my most creative dishes with oats are baked oatmeal, oatmeal muffins or oats in my smoothies. By the way, your pictures of your salad are great! They make me at least want to taste your savory oats, although I would probably prefer this salad with quinoa or barley.
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real recently posted..Stonyfield Food Superheroes: A Giveaway!!!
That’s a pretty brilliant thing to do with oats!
I’m never creative with my oats, all I really use them for is oatmeal and baking…wow, I’m lame.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Let’s Rehash.
Ha! Interesting! I’ve never gotten super creative with oats…but this makes me think I should!
Cait’s Plate recently posted..Spiced Paleo Pumpkin Almond Muffins
I might have decreased the liquid if I wanted them to resemble a grain.
You do love your oats! I’m not a big oat person, so this salad isn’t my cup of tea, but I love how creative you get!*
Army Amy* recently posted..Brain Dump Wednesday
I’m afraid the texture would make me gag! I’d probably just have some bread on the side or something if I wanted a grain. The salad sounded good otherwise though.
I would never think to do this! The most creative thing I’ve done with oats is making oatmeal!
Becky @ runfundone recently posted..I got five dolla! I got five dolla! I got five dolla, hey, hey, hey hey!
That’s a great alternative. Our pantry is pretty bare and we desperately need to go to the grocery store, but I’m waiting until after this weekend, since we’ll be working all weekend. I do have some oats in the freezer, so I’m thinking this will be making an appearance for lunch or dinner tomorrow!
Allison @ Running Through Red Lights recently posted..Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
this makes my granola look REALLY boring…
I think these oat ideas are great. Thank you. I have high cholesterol and I’ve got to change my diet, and I’ve been told oats are great for getting in down.