Wheat Berry Salad

Name: Wheat Berry Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups wheat berries; 2 celery ribs, finely chopped; 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; 1 green onion, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; Mixed salad greens, optional

This hearty salad is bursting with harvest flavors and healthful omega-3s. The chewy wheat berries, sweet-tart dried cherries and crunchy walnuts make a winning combination.—Nancy Lange, Phoenix, Arizona

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups wheat berries
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 green onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Mixed salad greens, optional

Directions

Place wheat berries in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, about 1 hour or until tender. Drain; transfer to a large bowl. Cool completely.
Add celery, cherries, walnuts, parsley and green onion to wheat berries. In a small bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until blended; add to salad and toss to coat. If desired, serve over greens.

Editor's Note

To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup (calculated without salad greens): 323 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.

Originally published as Wheatberry Salad in Country Woman February/March 2012