Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor-packed journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience! This wheat berry salad with apples and cranberries is about to revolutionize your meal prep, offering a perfect balance of hearty whole grains, crisp fruits, and crunchy nuts that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious and nutritious meal that's as beautiful as it is tasty.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- wheat berries
- apples, diced
- dried cranberries
- celery, chopped
- walnuts, chopped
- olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Rinse wheat berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine wheat berries with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for approximately 50-60 minutes until wheat berries are tender but still chewy.
- While wheat berries are cooking, drain and prepare the remaining ingredients: dice apples into small, uniform cubes, chop celery finely, and roughly chop walnuts.
- Once wheat berries are cooked, drain any excess water and allow them to cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled wheat berries, diced apples, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the wheat berry mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Wheat Berry Perfection: Make sure to rinse your wheat berries thoroughly and cook them al dente - you want a slight chew, not mushy texture.
- Prep Like a Pro: Chop your apples and celery into uniform, small pieces to ensure every bite is balanced and visually appealing.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing separately to ensure even distribution of flavors. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings.
- Marination Magic: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add some crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
- Storage Tip: Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
