Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious? This Wheat Berry Salad with Lime Dressing is not just a meal; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing! Packed with wholesome wheat berries, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish at your next gathering. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- wheat berries
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber
- red onion
- lime juice
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse the wheat berries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine wheat berries with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Cook the wheat berries for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a slight chewy texture. Drain any excess water and let cool to room temperature.
- While the wheat berries are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even distribution in the salad.
- Finely dice the red onion to add a sharp, crisp element to the salad.
- Chop fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the stems, to add a bright, herbaceous flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Once the wheat berries have cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the wheat berries.
- Pour the lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Be sure to rinse the wheat berries well to remove any debris or dust before cooking for the best flavor and texture.
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the wheat berries as they cook; they should be tender yet chewy. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your preference.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados to make this salad your own!
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with different herbs or add a touch of honey to the dressing for a unique twist that suits your palate.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Serve It Right: Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is versatile enough to complement any meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
