Wheat Berry & Barley Salad

Submitted by aliono

"This recipe comes from Central Market. It has very bright, bold flavors and the chewy texture of the wheat berries makes this salad very interesting and different. I like to add fresh basil to the salad because it always goes great with mozzarella and tomatoes! This recipe makes a lot, the grains really expand! Unless I'm bringing it to a party I like to cut the recipe in half."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 20mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 1 cup wheat berries
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 3 -4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
• 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed
• 1⁄2 lb smoked mozzarella cheese, diced (or fresh mozzarella or feta)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add wheat berries. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Add barley and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until grains are tender, but still firm. Meanwhile, combine red onion, garlic, vinegar and oil in a large bowl. Drain grains and add to onion mixture. Toss well and cool. Add green onions, corn, mozzarella, tomatoes and salt and pepper. Toss well. Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Reviews

[Garlic Chick]

Great! I made this a while back and made only half the recipe which still made a whole lot. One thing I did differently was that I always soak the wheat berries for several hours before I cook them (typically overnight). I had the standard mozarella from the grocery story. This was delicious. I will definitely make it again - and it could be changed up with different vegetable ingredients. Thanks for posting!

 

[filaughn]

This was healthy and tasty, but I think I'd use less onions if I make it again. It's very filling and perfect for summer!

 

[Japanese Delight]

This salad was SOOOO GOOOOOD!!! I'd never tried wheat berries before, and I really loved it. It was delicious and healthy, a dish that feels good to eat. Great to just have in the fridge if you get hungry and need something quick , healthy and filling. Thanks for posting a fantastic recipe, ALIONO!! UPDATE: I made this again, halving the recipe with the left over barely and wheatberries from the first time I made it. I made a few changes; this recipe is very versatile. I didn't have corn or mozzarella, so I subbed blanched asparagus and chunks of good parmesan. It is SO GOOD!!!