Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad
Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad is a hearty and nutritious grain salad made with chewy wheat berries, sweet dried cherries, crunchy toasted nuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. This wholesome winter wheat berry salad is perfect as a make-ahead side dish, plant-based main course, or holiday salad packed with fiber, texture, and bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 cup wheat berries
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¾ cup dried cherries
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½ cup celery, finely chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely diced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
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½ cup feta cheese (optional)
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Rinse wheat berries thoroughly under cold water.
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In a medium pot, combine wheat berries with plenty of water and bring to a boil.
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Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45–60 minutes, until tender but still pleasantly chewy.
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Drain well and allow to cool completely.
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In a large bowl, combine cooled wheat berries, dried cherries, celery, red onion, parsley, and toasted nuts.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
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Gently fold in feta cheese if using.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed
Notes
Cook wheat berries in advance for easy meal prep.Toast nuts lightly to enhance their flavor.Add a splash of olive oil before serving if the salad absorbs too much dressing.Orange zest or fresh herbs like mint can brighten the flavor.
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/cherry-winter-wheat-berry-salad/