For an elegant presentation, place a teaspoon of Wheat Berry Salad on individual sections of baby romaine hearts.
Serves 12
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 ¾ cups water
- 1 ½ cups wheat berries
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
- ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ⅓ small red onion, peeled and diced
- 1 ⅓ cups frozen corn or peas, thawed
- 1 medium zucchini, peeled, grated, and drained
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 green onions, diced
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Add the oil, water, and wheat berries to the pressure cooker. Lock the lid into place and bring to high pressure; maintain pressure for 50 minutes. Remove from heat and quick-release the pressure. Fluff with a fork. If the grains aren’t yet as tender as you’d like, simmer and stir the mixture for a few minutes, adding more water if necessary. When done to your liking, drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Make the dressing by puréeing the mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, olive oil, and red onion in a food processor or blender. Start by stirring ⅓ cup dressing into the cooled wheat berries. Toss the seasoned wheat berries with remaining ingredients. Taste for seasoning; add additional salt, pepper, or dressing if needed. Cover and refrigerate any leftover dressing for up to 3 days.
TIPS:
- Choose High-Quality Wheat Berries: Select good-quality wheat berries for the best results. Look for whole wheat berries with a uniform size and no signs of moisture or insect damage.
- Pressure Cooking: Using a pressure cooker helps reduce the cooking time significantly. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and pressure levels in the recipe to achieve perfectly tender wheat berries.
- Fluff the Wheat Berries: After pressure cooking, fluff the wheat berries with a fork to separate them. This step ensures that they don’t clump together and allows them to absorb the dressing evenly.
- Customize the Dressing: The dressing plays a significant role in flavoring the salad. Feel free to adjust the quantities of mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar for a unique flavor.
- Add Veggies and Herbs: The vegetables and herbs in this salad provide freshness and color. Don’t hesitate to customize the salad by adding your favorite veggies or herbs. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or fresh mint can be great additions.
- Refrigerate for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a while before serving can enhance the flavors. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish for picnics or gatherings.
- Extra Dressing: If you prefer a more intensely flavored salad, reserve some extra dressing and drizzle it over the salad just before serving.
- Store Leftover Dressing: If you have leftover dressing, store it in the refrigerator for future use. It can be a versatile dressing for various salads.
- Serve Creatively: Consider serving the Wheat Berry Salad on individual sections of baby romaine hearts, as suggested in the intro, for an elegant presentation.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of fresh black pepper can make a significant difference in flavor.
This Wheat Berry Salad is not only a nutritious dish but also a versatile one that you can customize to suit your preferences. Whether served as a side dish at a gathering or enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own, its hearty texture and flavorful dressing make it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or even nuts to create your own variations. With its combination of wholesome ingredients and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So, go ahead and savor the wholesome goodness of this Wheat Berry Salad!
