WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH GRAPES, PISTACHIOS AND GINGER-HONEY DRESSING

WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH GRAPES, PISTACHIOS AND GINGER-HONEY DRESSING image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 17

Salad
1 cup uncooked wheat berries (hard winter wheat)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shelled, roasted pistachios (for 6-8 min. at 350 F and coarsely chopped)
1 cup red grapes, halved
1-2 celery sticks, chopped med. fine
3-4 green onions, sliced thinly (use half of green part)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
Dressing
1/4 cup canola oil or other good salad oil
2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 - 3 tsp honey
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger

Steps:

Pour 3 cups cold water over wheat berries and refrigerate over night. Pour off water, transfer berries to a medium saucepan, add the salt and water to 2 inches above berries and bring to a boil. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer for an hour or until tender. Drain. Mix all dressing ingredients (can be made ahead and refrigerated) in a large bowl and whisk briskly. Add warm (not hot!) wheat berries to bowl and mix with dressing. When berries have reached room temperature, add remaining Salad ingredients except goat cheese and gently toss to mix all ingredients. Sprinkle with goat cheese, serve, and gracefully accept compliments ;)