Wheat Berry Salad with Citrus Dressing

Wheat berries are excellent providers of dietary fiber. The nutrients are left untouched since they are not processed and provide us with folic acid, protein, B-complex vitamins and vitamin E. They do take some time to cook but are well worth the wait. I find them to be filling and delicious!

If you are unable to find them in your grocery store, your local health food store will surely have them.

Wheat Berry Salad with Citrus Dressing

serves 6-8

1 cup wheat berries, rinsed

1 bunch watercress, washed and dried, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)

1 large carrot, peeled and grated

1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Grated zest of 1 orange

Grated zest of 1 lime

1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Citrus Dressing

Juice of 1 orange

Juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp. minced shallot

2 tsp. maple syrup

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. Celtic Salt

Add the wheat berries to a large saucepan filled with enough salted water to cover them by several inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook the wheat berries until they are tender and plump, about 75-90 minutes. Test as you cook. Drain and set aside to cool completely.

Add the watercress to the wheat berries, along with the carrot, cranberries and citrus zests.

To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Just before serving, combine the dressing with the wheat berries and gently mix. Garnish with toasted nuts. If you are not serving the salad the same day, store it and the dressing, separately, covered, in the refrigerator.