Food Fuel: Wheat Berry and Bean Salad

You're going to thank me for this. Well, you'll be thanking Angela at Oh She Glows for it. I've been meaning to write her a nice long letter, in beautifully written prose, detailing my affections for this salad.

It's called the Back On Track Wheat Berry and Bean Salad. I made it this week because getting back on track was my goal. When I stray, I never stray too far. I have a natural passion for whole food, but sometimes a hot dog just looks good,  and chemicalized pre-packaged cake calls my name. Let's just say I started to give in a little to easily. This week I started most days out with a green monster smoothie, some vegan overnight oats and I ate this salad with my lunches. After five days I've noticed a boost in energy and mood...I get out of bed after the first snooze button is pushed!

This salad is great on its own for lunch. Maybe throw in a slice of bread for some carbs and a piece of fruit and you're ready to rock!

Back on Track Wheat Berry and Bean Salad from Oh She Glows
Makes a large mixing bowl full

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry wheat berries, cooked and drained
• 2 cups chickpeas
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, diced with large stems removed
• 4 green onions, diced
• Kosher salt + pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp regular mustard 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions: In a medium bowl, soak the wheat berries overnight in cold water. The next day, drain the wheat berries and place in a medium sized pot, covered in 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1 hour. Drain and cool.

In a large bowl, mix together the diced vegetables (cucumber, red pepper, tomato, minced garlic, parsley, green onions). Add in cooked and drained chick peas and stir.

In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice). Set aside.

When the wheat berries are ready, drain and rinse and then stir into the salad. Add the dressing just before serving and stir well. Now season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.


What is your favorite meal or snack to help you get back on track?