Bean and Grain Salad

By jbaird

Ingredients

• Bean and Grain Salad:
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) soft wheat berries
• 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (250 mL) halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 each sweet red and yellow pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado (optional), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) crumbled Canadian Feta cheese
• 3 cups (750 mL) torn romaine lettuce
• 1 cup (250 mL) shredded kale
• Coriander Chili Dressing:
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh coriander
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) each extra-virgin olive oil and canola oil
• 2 tbsp (25 mL) cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced shallot
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 mL) minced hot pepper
• Pinch each salt and pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Bean and Grain Salad:
Bring large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add wheat berries; cover and simmer over medium-low heat until tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Drain and transfer to large bowl; let cool for 15 minutes.

Add black beans, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, onions, avocado (if using) and Feta cheese.

Coriander Chili Dressing:
In small bowl, whisk together coriander, olive oil, canola oil, vinegar, shallot, garlic, hot pepper, salt and pepper; pour over salad, tossing to coat. Divide lettuce and kale among plates; top with wheat berry mixture.

Fresh and mild Canadian Bocconcini pearls add interesting flavour and texture.