Wheat Berry Greek Salad
If you’re like me, you might still be full from holiday festivities. I think my body was in shock for a few days from the amount of sugar I consumed. Hey, it happens. So you might be on the hunt for a lighter recipe. Something simple & healthy that can get you back on track after a little holiday splurging.
I’ve been obsessed with the Wheat Berry salad at the Ellwood Thompson’s hot bar, so I decided to whip up my own version at home!
If you’ve never had them, a “wheat berry” is the entire wheat kernel. They have a slightly crunchy texture, and add a nice heartiness to lighter salads. I love tossing them on top of greens. I guess they’re like a cross between quinoa and rice, in terms of texture.
Wheat Berry Greek Salad
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup wheat berries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 tsp parsley
- Pinch of salt
Start by bringing the water and the wheat berries to a boil. It’ll take about an hour for them to cook. Once they absorb the water, they will be tender. Drain and set aside and let cool. Once the wheat berries are room temperature, toss them with the olive oil, cheese, sundried tomatoes, grape tomatoes, parsley and salt. I sliced the tomatoes in half, but you can leave them whole. Either way, it’ll be delicious.
Just how good are they?
Like barley and lentils, wheat berries pack plenty of fiber and protein. Just a 1/4 cup (uncooked) have 6g fiber, 6g protein, and only 160 calories. Also, they’re super cheap! Definitely worth giving them a chance.
While I was home in Columbus, I did managed to squeeze in a hilly run, as well as a couple of Jillian Michael’s workouts. If you haven’t tried her power yoga DVD, I highly recommend it! You can read the full review here, but I can promise your triceps will be sore the next day!
I have wheatberries in my cupboard and not idea what to do with them. Now I have an idea! 😉 Thanks, Liz!
i’ve never tried wheat berries before – but i love the concept of them. always looking for a new type of grain so this is perfect!
And of course you used Feta!! This looks delicious. Wheat berries are so underused.
Can’t get enough feta, 😉
Ugh between the sugar, gluten, and grains that I haven’t consumed in a long time my body hates me right now!! I am trying to get all things back under control this week so I can feel better 🙂
I hear you! I can’t believe how much sugar I ate!
I love wheat berry dishes but don’t cook with them at home. They just don’t usually find their way onto my grocery list! I love all things Greek-like though so this sounds completely amazing to me.
I’d never cooked them myself either! They were super easy though!
Yum! This salad looks awesome! I’m trying to “eat clean” this week-no refined sugars or refined flours, no processed foods, no alcohol (liquor, not beer or wine) and definitely get my workouts in!
That sounds like a good plan!! Good luck!
I’m so glad you posted this as I saw wheat berries the other day and just ignored them on the shelf as I had no idea what they were! I love the sound of them though and this salad looks really tasty.
Yum, that looks delish!
Mia, Denver Car Accident Lawyer
Hmmm… I’d love to try wheat berries. That dish looks really good, especially because I love tomatoes so much! Could/would you make this same dish with quinoa?
Hmm I bet you could! It might have a little bit more of a nutty flavor, but I bet it would still be good!
I love wheat berries! They’re so chewy haha looks like I’ll have to cook some up 🙂