Fiber Filled Salad

I have been putting off posting this recipe for a while since we make it all the time and I just haven't had a chance to write it down. This is a staple in our house--I think we probably make it once a week. This is a super fresh and healthy dish that can pose as a side to a main dish or even as the star for lunch. It's very light and refreshing and perfect for a summer afternoon.

This recipe is from my mentor at school. Each semester we have a Societies party and she knows my classmates and I love this salad. She was the first one to introduce me to wheat berries which are the wheat kernels. We got them all the time in our CSA, and you would have to remove all the husks, rocks, and other tidbits that got mixed into your bag. I have come to learn it is so much easier just to buy wheat berries in the bulk food section at Whole Foods. Wheat berries are really easy to make, but can be a bit time consuming if you do not have a pressure cooker. I promise, you will like the finished product. They are a very versatile grain. My favorite way to prepare them is this wheat berry salad, but I have also made an easy tabbouleh, a dessert with oranges and cream, and they are also great as an oatmeal substitute to mix with yogurt and fresh fruit in the morning. If your diet is lacking in fiber, wheat berries will definitely get your gut moving. I love that they have just a bit of chewiness, they almost remind me of barley or couscous. Enjoy this super easy salad at your next summer picnic!

Wheat Berry Salad
From Dr. Lebensohn

• 2 c. dried wheat berries
• 1/2 cucumber, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 bell pepper, cut into bit sized pieces
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 can sliced black olives
• 1/2 c. diced sundried tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you like your food)
• 1/3 c. crumbled feta
• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Cook wheat berries with 4 c. water for 45 minutes in a pressure cooker. While the berries are cooking, prep all of the veggies and mix them with the dressings, cheese, and spices. When the berries are done cooking, let cool to room temperature. Mix with the veggies and dressing and chill in the fridge. Serve cold.