Imagine a salad so packed with flavor and nutrition that it turns ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience! Our Wheat Berry Harvest Salad is not just a recipe—it's a celebration of textures, colors, and wholesome ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and those seeking a delicious way to incorporate nutrient-rich whole grains into their diet, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup diced apples
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the wheat berries under cold running water to remove any debris or impurities. This step is essential for ensuring the grains are clean before cooking.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed wheat berries and 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes. The wheat berries should be tender but still chewy. Check for doneness periodically, adding more water if necessary to keep the grains submerged.
- While the wheat berries are cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the apples into small cubes, making sure to remove the core and seeds. Set aside in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the dried cranberries and diced apples. This will allow the cranberries to plump slightly from the moisture in the apples while you finish preparing the salad.
- Once the wheat berries are cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool for a few minutes. You can spread them out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wheat berries, the apple and cranberry mixture, chopped pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring the dressing complements the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to crush the feta cheese while mixing.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can also refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours for a chilled version.
- Serve the Wheat Berry Harvest Salad as a nutritious side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome creation!
Tips
- Always rinse wheat berries thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before cooking.
- For the best texture, don't overcook the wheat berries—they should remain slightly chewy.
- Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep and make-ahead lunches.
- Feel free to substitute ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture contrast in the salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
