Wheat Berry Salad with Dried Cherries

Wondering what to do with all those wheat berries in your food storage? It’s not something you see in recipes all the time. This recipe is just the right amount of sweet and awesome all rolled into one. Plus, you’ll totally impress all your hipster friends, you know the ones who shop at Whole Paycheck.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups hard wheat berries
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped {I like to toast mine first}
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil {I LOVE Zoe Olive Oil}
2 tablespoons lemon juice {I used bottled}
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Cook your wheat berries. I like to cook them in either a rice cooker or a slow cooker. It cooks just like white rice, so the most important thing to remember is to use the ratio of 1 part wheat berries to 2 parts liquid. For example, 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of uncooked wheat berries. If using a rice cooker, they should be done in about 15 minutes.

If you do not have a rice cooker/crock pot simply add the berries and liquid in a saucepan, bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook covered, until the liquid has been absorbed and wheat berries are tender {about 40 minutes}. Drain and let cool completely.

While the what berries are cooking, toast the walnuts in a skillet over medium-high heat until about 2 to 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Add additional salt & pepper to taste.

Love this recipe? If you’re looking for more just like it you’ll love this vegan cookbook:

Vegan on the Cheap