Wheat Berry, Walnut & Date Salad

During a recent bake sale I ran at my children's school, I met a Mom from my son's Kindergarten class. She told me that she had been checking out my blog & that she had one as well. She mentioned it was part of her gift business, which she runs out of her home.
It's called Orange & Pear.
So, of course, I checked it out. Her gifts are amazing! I already picked up a couple little things for myself. But, I plan to go back the next time I need a present! Be sure to check it out...there are loads of great finds!
We've been in contact since then & she shared some of her recent recipe finds with me. This salad was one of them. I knew immediately that I would love it. I love wheat berries on their own & I love wheat berry salads.
This one is in a class all it's own, because of the addition of chopped dates...which, is delicious! It's great by itself, as a side dish, or scooped on a green salad for a little extra protein, or fiber.

Begin by soaking 8 ounces of wheat berries, in a bowl of water, for at least 8 hours {overnight works great}.
When you are ready to prepare the salad, drain the wheat. Add it to a pot & cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer & cook until tender, but still crunchy {about 35 minutes}.
Drain, rinse under cold water & set aside.

Next, you will need to chop 1 cup of raw walnuts {you can toast yours, if you'd like},

and finely chop 2-3 stalks of celery {1 1/2 cups}. Add them both to a mixing bowl.

To them, add 3/4 cups chopped pitted dates & set aside, while you prepare the dressing.

For the dressing, finely grate a 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest. Add it to small bowl,

along with, 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar & 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice. While whisking, add 2 tablespoons of walnut oil in a slow stream, to form an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad,

give it a toss & serve.

Wheat Berry, Walnut & Date Salad

Adapted from Martha Stewart Living, March 2010
Serves 6

8 ounces wheat berries
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 1/2 cups finely diced celery
1 cup raw walnuts, chopped
3/4 cups finely chopped pitted dates
salt & pepper to taste

Place the wheat berries in a bowl & cover with water. Let them soak overnight.
Place the soaked wheat berries in a pot, cover with water & bring to a boil. Reduce the heat & simmer for 35 minutes, or until tender, yet still a bit crunchy. Drain, rinse with cold water & set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery, walnuts & dates. Add in the wheat berries & toss to combine.
Combine the vinegar, zest & juice in a bowl. While whisking, add the walnut oil in a slow stream, to form an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss & serve.
Click here for the printable recipe.