Citrus-Scented Fruit & Wheat Salad

By Late2Serenity

Yield: eight 1/2-cup servings.

Ingredients

• SALAD
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (4 3/4 ounces) cracked wheat
• 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) diced dried apricots
• 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup (1 7/8 ounces) grated carrots
• DRESSING
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (above) or a scant 1/8 teaspoon orange oil
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (7/8 ounce) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• GARNISH
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) toasted chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (2 1/3 ounces) toasted sunflower seeds

Details

Adapted from kingarthurflour.com

Preparation

Step 1

Mix the water and salt, and bring to a boil. Add the cracked wheat and boil for 1 minute. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. Uncover the pan; if the water hasn't been absorbed, bring back to a boil and cook for several minutes, until the mixture is no longer soupy. Stir in the dried fruits, and set aside to cool.

Stir together all of the dressing ingredients. Stir the dressing into the cracked wheat mixture, then add the sesame seeds and grated carrots. Refrigerate for several hours, to allow the flavors to blend. Just before serving, stir in the toasted pecans and sunflower seeds.