Wheat Berry Waldorf Salad

Yield: 8 servings

I’ve always loved Waldorf salad, but this recipe ups the ante. The addition of whole grains, a light dressing, and mint really make it something special.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups cooked wheat berries (see recipe below)
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 Gala or McIntosh apple, 1/2-inch dice
• 1 Granny Smith apple, 1/2-inch dice
• 1 celery rib, sliced thin
• 2/3 cup packed fresh mint leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped
• 1/2 cup dried sour cherries
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Procedure:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine wheat berries, walnuts, apples, celery, mint, dried cherries, raisins, and scallions.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine yogurt, vinegar, orange juice, and orange zest.
3. Pour yogurt mixture over wheat berry mixture and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Source: Adapted from www.epicurious.com

Procedure for cooking wheat berries:

Rinse wheat berries. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup wheat berries. Simmer, covered, about 1 1/2 hours or until tender. Drain wheat berries and set aside to cool. Yield: approx 2 1/2 cups cooked wheat berries.