Whole-Grain Spelt Salad

Grain salads are forgiving and flexible, and nutty takes well to all kinds of vegetables like fennel, arugula, or carrots. Here, quick-marinated mushrooms, leeks, and cucumbers combine for a refreshing, flavorful salad. Marinating the cooked mushrooms and leeks with cider vinegar for 15 minutes allows them to absorb the vinegar so that each bite delivers a pop of tartness. A sprinkling of pepper powder adds a blast of color and a mild, wonderfully fruity red-pepper flavor.