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A friend of mine, Sarah, recently went on a health kick and started experimenting with sprouted grains. She raved about the nutritional benefits and the unique, slightly nutty flavor they add to dishes. Honestly, at first, I was a bit skeptical. Sprouted wheat berries? Sounded a bit… crunchy granola-ish for my taste. But Sarah insisted I give them a try, and she shared her recipe for this incredible salad. So, naturally, I tweaked it a bit (as I always do!) and came up with my own version. And wow, was I surprised! This Sprouted Wheat Berry Salad with Pomegranate Seeds is now one of my go-to lunches. Its packed with flavor and textures. The chewy wheat berries, sweet apricots, juicy pomegranate seeds, and tangy feta cheese (optional, of course!) create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. The lemon-honey dressing ties it all together perfectly, adding a bright and zesty finish.
It's also incredibly versatile. I've served it as a light lunch, a side dish at barbecues, and even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It's a great way to use up leftover cooked wheat berries, too. And did I mention it's healthy? Sprouted wheat berries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. Pomegranate seeds are loaded with antioxidants, and apricots are a good source of potassium. So, you can feel good about indulging in this delicious and good-for-you salad. But, you know, sometimes I just want comfort food. I'm only human! Anyone else feel me on that?
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Colander or Fine-Mesh Sieve
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Sprouted Wheat Berry Salad with Pomegranate Seeds: Frequently Asked Questions
Sprouted Wheat Berry Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
This Sprouted Wheat Berry Salad with Pomegranate Seeds is a vibrant and nutritious dish, featuring chewy sprouted wheat berries, sweet dried apricots, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a tangy lemon-honey dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, cook the sprouted wheat berries. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sprouted wheat berries and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the berries are tender but still chewy. Drain well in a colander and set aside to cool completely. Make sure you really get all the excess water out or the salad will be soggy.
While the wheat berries are cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a pinch more salt and a little squeeze of lemon.
Once the wheat berries are cooled, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the chopped dried apricots, pomegranate seeds, chopped fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as the pomegranate seeds can burst and make the salad look a bit messy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important!
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant and nutritious salad!
📝 Notes
For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Add a handful of toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for extra crunch.
Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs, such as mint or cilantro.