Wheat Berry Salad

This wheat berry salad has been my go-to meal for the past couple weeks.  I love the diversity of it in that you can throw in a little of this and a little of that, changing it up with whatever you have on hand.   It is so filling and hearty, which I also love.  Plus, Little B begs for it... talk about great finger food.  But my top reason for loving it, I can walk around feeling like a healthy bad-ass while pigging out on something so delicious.  Can't beat that.

My inspiration for making this meal came from Heidi Swanson's cookbook, Super Natural Cooking.  The entire book is awesome.

Wheat Berry Salad

2 cups wheat berries rinsed

6 cups water

2 tsp sea salt

1-2 handfuls of fresh basil, chopped

1 pine nuts, toasted

1/2 cup goat cheese crumbled

Combine the wheat berries, water and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. 
Bring to boil.  Then lower the heat to a simmer and let it sit covered for about an hour or so.  You will know when it is ready because the wheat berries will be plump and chewy.  Drain and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Once the wheat berries are ready, add in all the extras - pine nuts, goat cheese, basil, etc.  Definitely play around with your options.  Sometimes, I like to throw in cranberries and feta.  Other times, I like just a bit of olive oil and lemon juice.  You can't go wrong.

Photo credit: Whipped