Wednesday, June 9, 2010

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.

6 comments:

Emily Fromunda said...

Yum! I love wheat berries!

Magic of Spice said...

Beautiful salad:)

Jennifer said...

I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for the "plug!"

Jen

Jennifer said...

And your photography is just amazing! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this post! I just found your blog through Tastespotting and you're getting added immediately to my Google Reader! :) I've been trying to be more creative with my use in grains and this recipe will help me in that effort.

-Jess aka Klutzy Chef

Anonymous said...

Looks wonderful! Dates are myv favorite baking item, but I haven't used them in savory recipes, so I'll try this for sure....could you see couscous working instead of the wheat berries? Crumbled goat cheese on top might be a nice addition, I will try that when I make it!

Post a Comment