Savory Wheat Berry & Lima Bean Salad
Discover the surprising depth of flavor in this Savory Wheat Berry & Lima Bean Salad! A deliciously hearty alternative to traditional pasta or potato salads, this dish showcases the nutty essence of hard winter wheat berries perfectly paired with tender lima beans. Tossed in a delightful blend of walnut and canola oils, the salad is further enriched with sweet, tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and the refreshing crispness of celery and scallions. Despite its wholesome ingredients, this salad is anything but bland or boring. It's perfect for summer picnics or as a nutritious side dish for any gathering. Plus, it's a fulfilling option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
wheat berries, hard winter
3 cups (rinsed and drained)
frozen lima beans
2 cups (cooked and drained)
walnut oil
1/4 cup (for dressing)
canola oil
3/4 cup (for dressing)
sherry vinegar
1/8-1/4 cup (to taste, for dressing)
dried cranberries (or currants)
1 cup (soaked if needed)
walnuts, chopped
1 cup (for garnish)
celery, diced
2 cups (for salad)
scallion, chopped
1 cup (for salad)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Rinse the wheat berries under cold water. In a large saucepan, cover them with water, ensuring it's about an inch above the berries. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the berries are tender yet still slightly chewy (al dente). Drain and let cool.
2
While the wheat berries are cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen lima beans and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender. Drain and cool under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, canola oil, and sherry vinegar to create a dressing.
4
Once the wheat berries and lima beans are cool, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the warm grains and beans, and toss gently to combine.
5
If the dried cranberries are stiff, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before draining. Add these along with the chopped walnuts, diced celery, and chopped scallions to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wheat Berry & Lima Bean Salad?
It is a hearty, nutty salad made with hard winter wheat berries, lima beans, dried cranberries, and walnuts, tossed in a walnut oil dressing.
What type of wheat berries are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for hard winter wheat berries, which provide a nutty essence and chewy texture.
How long does it take to cook the wheat berries?
It typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours of simmering until the berries are tender yet al dente.
How do I cook the frozen lima beans?
Boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender, then drain and cool under cold water.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a blend of 1/4 cup walnut oil, 3/4 cup canola oil, and 1/8 to 1/4 cup of sherry vinegar.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and also appears to be vegan as it contains no animal products.
Can I substitute dried currants for the cranberries?
Yes, the recipe suggests dried currants as a suitable alternative to dried cranberries.
How do I soften stiff dried cranberries?
Soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before draining and adding to the salad.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
It is best to drizzle the dressing over the wheat berries and lima beans while they are still warm to help them absorb the flavors.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from diced celery and chopped walnuts.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
While the dressing is applied when the grains are warm, the final dish is typically served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics.
How much wheat berries do I need?
The recipe requires 3 cups of rinsed and drained hard winter wheat berries.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
Sherry vinegar is recommended for its specific flavor profile, used to taste.
How many lima beans are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of frozen lima beans.
What is the role of scallions in this dish?
One cup of chopped scallions is added to provide a refreshing, mild onion flavor and crispness.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper as desired at the final step.
Is this a good alternative to potato salad?
Yes, it is described as a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional pasta or potato salads.
How do I prepare the wheat berries before cooking?
You should rinse the wheat berries under cold water before boiling.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced celery.
What is the texture of properly cooked wheat berries?
They should be tender but still slightly chewy, which is referred to as al dente.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains both chopped walnuts and walnut oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped and are used as a garnish and textural element.
Can I use a different oil besides walnut oil?
While walnut oil provides a specific nutty flavor, you could use additional canola oil or another nut oil if necessary.
How much dressing does the recipe make?
The dressing consists of approximately 1 cup of oil plus the vinegar.
Is the salad healthy?
Yes, it is described as a fulfilling option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Should I salt the water for the beans?
Yes, the instructions suggest bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the lima beans.
How do I stop the lima beans from overcooking?
Drain them and immediately cool them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is perfect as a nutritious side dish for any gathering.
What is the overall flavor profile of the salad?
The flavor profile is savory and nutty with sweet and tangy accents from the cranberries and vinegar.