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Spring Wheat Berry Salad


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spring Wheat Berry Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish filled with nutty wheat berries, fresh asparagus, crunchy walnuts, and sweet medjool dates. Tossed in a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a perfect dish for spring that can be enjoyed as a light main course or a refreshing side. Packed with wholesome ingredients and delightful textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite for your next meal or gathering.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup wheat berries (pre-steamed or uncooked, check the package for cooking times)
  • 1 small red onion or a few shallots
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 8 to 10 radishes
  • 3 to 4 medjool dates (or other dried fruit)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or minced chili pepper (jalapeno, serrano, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wheat Berries: If using uncooked wheat berries, cook them according to package instructions (usually simmering for 40-50 minutes). Drain and let them cool. If using pre-steamed wheat berries, heat them for a few minutes as needed.

  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion or shallots. Trim and chop the asparagus into 1-inch pieces, and thinly slice the radishes. Mince fresh chili peppers if using.

  3. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.

  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (or minced chili pepper) in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries, onion or shallots, asparagus, radishes, dates, and toasted walnuts. Toss to combine.

  6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until evenly coated.

  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy as a light main dish or a side to grilled meats or fish.

Notes

  • Substitute Grains: You can replace wheat berries with other grains like farro, barley, or quinoa, but cooking times may vary.
  • Make Ahead: This salad is ideal for meal prepping and can be made a day in advance to let the flavors develop.
  • Vinegar Substitution: Use regular balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice as an alternative to white balsamic for a different flavor.
  • Spiciness: For more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or use hotter chili peppers like serrano or habanero.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean