Wheat Berry Arugula Salad
The wheat berry arugula salad is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the nutty flavor of wheat berries with the peppery taste of arugula. Enjoyed this salad as a side dish or as a light and refreshing main course.
Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients and preparation process to fully understand the richness of this mouthwatering salad. To create this salad, you will need a variety of ingredients that add layers of flavors and textures. The star of the dish, wheat berries, are the whole, unprocessed kernels of wheat. It is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. When cooked, these little gems have a chewy texture and a slightly nutty taste. Making them a perfect base for a satisfying salad.
In addition to the wheat berries, you will find a medley of colorful vegetables and herbs that contribute to the overall freshness and vibrancy of the dish. Juicy cherry tomatoes, and marinated artichoke hearts bring a burst of flavor and add a delightful crunch. To enhance the salad’s complexity, green olives provide a tangy and savory note that pairs well with the other ingredients.
To balance the earthiness of the wheat berries and vegetables. A traditional vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It elevates the salad with its tangy and sweet flavors. The dressing brings all the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of tastes.
Now that we have explored the components of the salad, let’s dive into the preparation process. To start, cook the wheat berries until they are tender yet still have a pleasant chew. Once cooked, drain and let them cool to room temperature. While the wheat berries are cooling, prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Tossing the ingredients together, ensures the salad gets evenly distributed. Coating each morsel with its deliciousness. Now imagine yourself sitting in a cozy outdoor café on a sunny day, savoring every bite of this delightful wheat berry arugula salad. The contrasting textures of the chewy wheat berries and crisp vegetables, combined with the peppery kick of the arugula, will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure bliss.
Each mouthful is a symphony of flavors, with the tangy dressing tying it all together in perfect harmony. This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious powerhouse. The wheat berries provide a hearty dose of fiber and protein, keeping you satiated and energized throughout the day. The abundance of vegetables offers an array of vitamins and minerals, ensuring you get a wholesome and balanced meal.
Whether you enjoy this salad as a light lunch, a side dish at a dinner party, or a quick and healthy weeknight meal, it is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So, gather the ingredients, let your creativity shine through, and indulge in the delightful experience of a wheat berry antipasta arugula salad.
Wheat Berry Arugula Salad
Ingredients
Wheat Berry
- 1 1/2 cups wheat berry
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt plus more cooking
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp parsley-chopped
- 1 clove garlic-minced
Salad
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- cooked wheat berry-cooled
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes-halved
- 4 oz salami-cut into 1/4" dice
- 4 oz provolone or gouda cheese-cut into 1/4" dice
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts-chopped
- 1/3 cup green olives-chopped
- 3 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup basil-chopped
Instructions
Wheat Berry
- Toast wheat berry for 10 minutes at 375'
- Add water and wheat berry to a saucepan, 1 tbsp salt, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, check for doneness. Mine took 20 minutes. Drain and discard bay leaf and thyme.
- Return wheat berry to pan and stir in parsley, garlic, salt and remaining oil. Check and taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper.
SALAD
- Whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the wheat berry, tomatoes, salami, cheese, artichokes, and olives then toss to combine.
- In a serving bowl toss the arugula and basil together then add the tossed ingredients from the step above.
- Serve.