Nutty Cherry Chicken Wheat Berry Salad
This delightful Nutty Cherry Chicken Wheat Berry Salad combines tender chicken, sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and nutritious wheat berries with fresh greens and tangy cheese. Dressed with a subtly sweet and tangy vinaigrette, this vibrant salad is perfect for a quick and wholesome meal, suitable for any lunch or dinner occasion.
4
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1/4 teaspoon
wheat berries
1 1/2 cups (cooked)
pecans
1/4 cup (toasted)
chicken breasts
2 cups (shredded)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
cherries
1 cup (pitted & halved)
greens
4 cups
feta or goat cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar until well combined and the sugar dissolves completely.
2
Gently fold in the cooked wheat berries, toasted pecans, and shredded chicken breasts into the vinaigrette mixture. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and fresh thyme for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4
Add the sautéed onion and thyme mixture to the wheat berry and chicken combination. Toss everything together gently.
5
Incorporate the halved cherries and fresh greens into the salad, tossing lightly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
6
Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before serving. Enjoy this salad fresh and chilled.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
28g
Carbs
22g
Protein
5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Cherry Chicken Wheat Berry Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining tender chicken, sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and nutritious wheat berries with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include cooked wheat berries, shredded chicken breasts, toasted pecans, fresh cherries, and mixed greens.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe recommends using 2 ounces of crumbled feta or goat cheese.
How is the dressing made?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and a small amount of sugar.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving provides 28 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, this salad provides 5 grams of fiber per serving.
How do you prepare the onion for this salad?
The onion is chopped and sautéed in olive oil with fresh thyme for about 3 minutes until translucent.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, shredded chicken breasts are called for, and rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be toasted to provide a better crunch and flavor.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
Apple cider vinegar is used to give the salad a tangy flavor.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 20 grams of fat per serving.
How are the cherries prepared?
The cherries should be pitted and halved before being added to the salad.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
The instructions suggest enjoying the salad fresh and chilled.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you could substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between the dressing and sautéing.
What kind of greens are used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh greens, such as mixed baby greens or spinach.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing includes only 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.
Is fresh thyme necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme for optimal fragrance and flavor.
What is the total sugar content per serving?
Each serving has 5 grams of sugar, mostly from the fresh cherries.
Does this recipe use cooked or raw wheat berries?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of cooked wheat berries.
How do you ensure the flavors meld together?
The instructions suggest folding the wheat berries, pecans, and chicken into the vinaigrette and setting them aside before adding the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for dinner?
Yes, it is a wholesome meal suitable for both lunch and dinner occasions.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use both feta and goat cheese?
The recipe recommends choosing one or the other, using 2 ounces in total.
What seasoning is used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How long should I sauté the onion and thyme?
You should sauté them for about 3 minutes over medium heat.