Wheat Berry Salad with Red Fruit

By LHPollack

Ingredients

• 2 cups hard red winter-wheat berries (see Tips)
• 7 cups cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 large Fuji apple, unpeeled, diced
• 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted (see Tips) and coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Details

Servings 6
Preparation time 25mins
Cooking time 120mins
Adapted from eatingwell.com

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare wheat berries: Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Drain and rinse. Let cool to room temperature. (Makes about 4 1/2 cups.)

To prepare salad: Combine orange juice and cranberries in a small bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes.

Combine 3 cups of the cooked wheat berries, apple and pecans in a large bowl; stir gently. Drain the cranberries, reserving the juice. Stir the cranberries into the wheat berry mixture. (Refrigerate the extra cooked wheat berries for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.)

Whisk the reserved orange juice, vinegar and oil in a small bowl until combined. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Pour over the salad and stir gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.