Imagine a salad so colorful and nutritious that it not only tantalizes your taste buds but also supercharges your health in just 35 minutes! This Instant Pot Colorful Wheat Berry Salad is your ultimate solution to boring, bland meal routines. Packed with protein-rich wheat berries, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, quick, and wholesome meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse wheat berries thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris.
- Pour vegetable broth into the Instant Pot and add the rinsed wheat berries. Ensure the liquid covers the wheat berries completely.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting on High pressure.
- Cook wheat berries for 25 minutes, allowing natural pressure release for 10 minutes after cooking completes.
- While wheat berries cook, prepare the vegetables by finely dicing bell peppers and cucumber into uniform small cubes.
- Once wheat berries are cooked, drain any excess liquid and let them cool to room temperature for approximately 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled wheat berries, diced bell peppers, and cucumber.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- Pour dressing over the wheat berry and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and fold gently to distribute.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse wheat berries thoroughly to remove any dust or debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth and richness in the wheat berries.
- For best texture, don't skip the natural pressure release - it helps the wheat berries become perfectly tender.
- Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and a professional-looking presentation.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- For added crunch, consider toasting the wheat berries lightly before cooking or adding some toasted nuts.
- This salad is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap vegetables or cheese based on your preference or what's in your fridge!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
