I’m still on a bit of a wheat berry kick. I brought some back with me when I returned to Brazil and lately I’ve been thinking about what I could do with them. After picking up a pineapple and then splurging on a pomegranate at the market the other day, I finally had my answer.
I wanted something sweet, not savory, for this experiment and I thought I could pull it off with a wheat berry fruit salad using tropical flavors.
I simply combined honey, lime and coconut for a dressing. Tossed some diced pineapple with cooked and cooled wheat berries. Pomegranate arils came about for color.
I simply combined honey, lime and coconut for a dressing. Tossed some diced pineapple with cooked and cooled wheat berries. Pomegranate arils came about for color.
I really enjoyed this sweet twist on a healthy grain. It’s great for a cool, but hearty breakfast on a hot morning or maybe a new salad to take to a picnic.
Tropical Wheat Berry Salad
½ cup dry wheat berries
1 ¾ cup water
1/3 cup pineapple, finely chopped
2 tbsp honey
Juice of two limes
2 tbsp finely ground coconut
¼ cup pomegranate arils
1 ¾ cup water
1/3 cup pineapple, finely chopped
2 tbsp honey
Juice of two limes
2 tbsp finely ground coconut
¼ cup pomegranate arils
I cooked the wheat berries according to package directions which was ½ cup in 1 ¾ cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about an hour until tender. Drain them if necessary and let them cool.
Once cool, toss the pineapple with the wheat berries. Whisk together the honey and lime juice. Taste to determine if you need more sweet or sour depending on your preferences. Whisk in the coconut.
Pour dressing over the wheat berries and toss to coat. Garnish with the pomegranate.
What an interesting combination of ingredients! This really does sound like a delicious breakfast – or even a healthier dessert!
I never thought of using wheat berries in a sweet salad bet the nuttiness of them was a great foil for the fruit
I love how chewy wheat berries are! I bet they’re just lovely with coconut and pineapple. Great salad
I could just eat that for a meal!!
My gran always used pomegranates as a cure for an upset stomach.And not just the fruit-even the skin.She would boil the skin and drink(or make us drink) the decoction and it always worked!
Yum yum. I love wheat berries and I love grain salads so I’m there.
Out of curiousity – do they sell whole grains like brown rice and wheat berries in Brazil? I see that you brought them back with you but I’m curious what they do have!
cathy – Yeah, I’m all for grains for dessert!
kat – I’d come across a few savory ones with raisins and cranberries so I thought why not go all sweet. 🙂
Erica – I love the texture too.
Sweta – How interesting about the pomegranate! Thanks so much for sharing. I think it is one of the coolest fruits. The outside, inside and flesh are so intriguing and i love the flavor.
Amy – I’m sure they probably have wheat berries in some areas of Brazil and I’ve actually seen sprouted wheat at our farmer’s market. Brown rice is available as well. The thing is, we have a bit of small town syndrome here. Many things aren’t available in our area. Also, things like oats and specialty grains are sold at specialty supplement stores, like a GNC, but different. I don’t frequent those stores b/c the one on one shopping is high pressure and I can’t just look around.
In the two years we’ve been here things like quinoa and oatmeal have become more available. We’ve definitley witnessed a change. However the more specialty grains like quinoa and many nuts are very expensive. Since I’m going back and forth a lot, it is easier and more affordable to just toss it in my suitcase. 🙂
the sweet twist to wheat berries is different and sounds very interesting……i like pineapples and this salad is something worth trying…
What a fabulous tropical combination!I love it!
Looks delicious! I really need to get some wheatberries.
Are plantains pretty common in Brazil? When I think of tropical cuisine (which at least some of Brazil is) I think of plantains.
Loving the tropical flavors in this delightful fruit salad! I need to put wheat berries on my shopping list!
I’ve never had wheat berries, but they look nice and chewy-tasty. I’m always looking to expand my horizons, so I’ll find a way to work them in!
I LOVE grains but have not ventured beyond oatmeal for a sweet dish! I didn’t realize that wheatberries would lend themselves so well to this. The honey, lime and coconut dressing sounds unbelievably delicious and something I will definitely try. Y’know, my in-laws are in town this July 4th weekend – I bet they would enjoy this. I’m printing and saving this right now!
That sounds very tasty! I confess, I haven’t had wheat berries yet.
I have some wheat berries I have been trying to decide what to do with and this looks like a great way to use them. I love the combination of flavors and textures you have going on here.
This looks delicious! I have recently discovered wheatberries and have been sprinkling them on my oatmeal.
Wheat berry sounds wonderful in a salad with accents of pomegranates! Lovely, exotic, delicious AND nutritious! Happy traveling!
sangeeta – They actually work really well with sweet flavors.
Meg – Thanks!
Alison – I’ve never seen a plantain on a menu in the area we live. I have seen them (at least what I think is them) at the farmer’s market on rare occasions. Fried bananas are common here though. 🙂
5 Star Foodie – Thanks. They make for great salads!
No Meat Athlete – Definitely give them a try. I incorporated them when I was trying to expand my grain horizons as well and wasn’t disappointed. 🙂
Tangled Noodle – Let me know if you try it. I’m hoping to try it for friends when we move back. A good picnic dish.
Sagan – Definitely try them!
Deb – Thanks! Hope you’ll share their destiny. 🙂
Lori – That’s a great idea. Double grains! 🙂
Shari – Thanks. I was glad I had the pomegranat around for more color.
Salad looks delicious and healthy. I can have that bowl any time of the day.
Trupti
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