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Homemade Asian Wheat Berry Salad photo

Asian Wheat Berry Salad

This Asian Wheat Berry Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish bursting with flavor!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 1 cup raw soft wheat berries (can substitute with quinoa, spelt, millet, or sorghum)
  • 3/4 cup julienned carrots
  • 3/4 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/3 cup chopped water chestnuts
For the Vinaigrette:
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (try homemade for the best flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Directions:
  1. Start by rinsing the wheat berries under cold water. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of wheat berries with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the grains are tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and let cool.
  2. While the wheat berries are cooking, julienne the carrots, shred the red cabbage, finely chop the celery, slice the green onions, and chop the water chestnuts. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure a balanced bite in every forkful.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, toasted sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries with the prepared vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Mix and match the vegetables based on what's in season or available.
  • For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
  • Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicier vinaigrette.
  • This salad is perfect for meal prep—store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days.