Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a nutritional powerhouse that will revolutionize your healthy eating game! This Cranberry Pecan Wheat Berry Salad is a game-changing recipe that combines the hearty, nutty flavor of wheat berries with the sweet tang of cranberries and the rich crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, meal preppers, and anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills with a simple yet sophisticated dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse wheat berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dust.
- 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 cover.
- Simmer wheat berries for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender but still maintain a chewy texture. Avoid overcooking to preserve their nutty bite.
- Once cooked, drain the wheat berries in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- While wheat berries are cooling, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wheat berries, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and chopped green onions.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the wheat berry mixture and toss gently 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 with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Wheat Berry Cooking Perfection: The key to an amazing wheat berry salad is achieving the right texture. Cook them until they're tender but still have a satisfying chew - think al dente, but for grains!
- Toasting Nuts is Non-Negotiable: Always toast your pecans before adding them to the salad. This simple step brings out their rich, deep flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually gets better as it sits, so don't be afraid to prepare it a day in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and develop in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try different nuts like almonds, or substitute dried cherries for cranberries.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is incredibly versatile - serve it as a hearty lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner. It's equally delicious chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
