Cranberry Pecan Wheat Berry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This vibrant Wheat Berry Salad combines chewy wheat berries with a medley of sweet and tart flavors, featuring dried cranberries and fresh Fuji apples, complemented by the crunch of toasted pecans. The dish is dressed in a bright citrus vinaigrette made with freshly squeezed orange juice and tangy raspberry vinegar, adding layers of flavor that enhance every bite. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or served over a bed of peppery arugula for a refreshing vegan lunch, this salad is designed to impress. It keeps well, making it an ideal make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day. Feel free to customize the fruits based on the season or your personal taste preferences for a unique twist.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup (Juice of 1 orange)
Dried cranberries
1/3 cup (For soaking)
Chopped red grapes
10 (Optional)
Cooked wheat berries
3 cups (Cooked according to package instructions)
Fuji apple
1 large (Unpeeled, diced)
Pecan halves
1/2 cup (Toasted and coarsely chopped)
Raspberry vinegar
3 tablespoons (Use other vinegar types if desired)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (None needed)
Agave nectar
1 teaspoon (Optional; can substitute with honey)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste; lemon pepper recommended)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice and dried cranberries. Let them soak for 15 minutes to plump up the cranberries.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries, diced Fuji apple, toasted pecans, and grapes (if using). Stir gently to mix the ingredients without mashing them.
3
After the cranberries have soaked, drain them, reserving the orange juice. Add the plumped cranberries to the wheat berry mixture and stir gently.
4
In another small bowl, whisk together the reserved orange juice, raspberry vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and agave nectar or honey (if using). Season the vinaigrette with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
5
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful and nutritious dish.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this wheat berry salad?
The salad consists of cooked wheat berries, dried cranberries, Fuji apples, toasted pecans, and optionally chopped red grapes, all tossed in a citrus vinaigrette.
Is this Cranberry Pecan Wheat Berry Salad vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as long as you use agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
Yes, wheat berries are whole wheat kernels and contain gluten, so this dish is not suitable for those on a gluten-free diet despite any labels suggesting otherwise.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the best way to cook wheat berries for this recipe?
Wheat berries should be cooked according to the package instructions until they are tender yet chewy, then cooled before adding to the salad.
Why should I soak the cranberries in orange juice?
Soaking the dried cranberries in freshly squeezed orange juice for 15 minutes helps to plump them up and infuses them with bright citrus flavor.
What can I substitute for raspberry vinegar?
If you do not have raspberry vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, while Fuji apples are recommended for their sweetness and crunch, you can use Honeycrisp, Gala, or even Granny Smith for a more tart profile.
How do I toast the pecans?
You can toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is an excellent make-ahead option as the flavors meld and improve after being refrigerated for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
How long does this salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, this wheat berry salad will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for agave nectar?
Yes, you can substitute agave nectar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup depending on your dietary preferences.
Should the apples be peeled?
No, the recipe recommends using unpeeled Fuji apples to add color and extra fiber to the salad.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely. You can customize the salad by adding seasonal fruits like pears, pomegranate arils, or different varieties of grapes.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing taste.
How much protein is in this dish?
The salad provides approximately 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of pepper is recommended for the vinaigrette?
Freshly ground black pepper is great, but lemon pepper is specifically recommended to enhance the citrus notes of the dressing.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor, high-quality bottled orange juice can be used if necessary.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, this plant-based recipe is cholesterol-free.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some serving suggestions for this salad?
You can serve it as a standalone side dish, take it to a potluck, or serve it over a bed of fresh arugula for a light lunch.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, toasted walnuts make a great substitute for pecans and offer a similar crunch.
Is it necessary to drain the orange juice after soaking the cranberries?
Yes, you should drain the cranberries but reserve the orange juice to use as a base for the vinaigrette.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including optional items like grapes and agave nectar.
Can I freeze this wheat berry salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the fresh apples and grapes will change and become soft upon thawing.
What makes this salad a good option for potlucks?
Because the wheat berries are hearty and do not wilt, the salad holds up well at room temperature and stays fresh for hours.
Are wheat berries the same as farro?
They are similar but not the same; wheat berries are the entire wheat kernel while farro is often pearled. You can use farro as a substitute if wheat berries are unavailable.
Is there a specific way to chop the grapes?
The grapes should be coarsely chopped or halved so they are easy to eat and mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the measurements for this salad can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger gatherings or parties.