Name: Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 41 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1/2 to 1 small clove garlic (grated); 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup extra light olive oil; 1½ to 2 cups cooked winter wheat berries; 1/3 cup sliced almonds; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves; 1/2 cup sliced celery; 1/3 cup dried cherries; 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese; 2 tablespoons minced parsley; 5 ounces power greens salad blend; Fresh pitted and halved cherries for topping (amount as desired)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 71 reviews

If you’re searching for a vibrant dish that combines wholesome grains, fresh greens, and a burst of fruity sweetness, the Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances the nutty chew of winter wheat berries with the tart juiciness of dried and fresh cherries, all tied together with a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette. It’s not just a salad, but a celebration of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds every time you make it. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a standout side for dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Various food ingredients are shown in clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left, a large bowl is filled with green leafy spinach with red veins. To its right, a medium bowl contains pieces of white cooked chicken with herbs. Below the chicken, a bowl holds crumbled blue cheese with its light cream and blue-green colors. Near the center, a bowl is full of deep red pitted cherries, some sliced in half showing their dark interior. To the left of the cherries, there is a bowl of thinly sliced light green celery. Below the celery, a bowl contains sliced almonds with light brown skins. Below the almonds, a smaller bowl holds dark red dried cranberries. At the bottom center, a bowl has light brown cooked farro grains. Between the grains and the cranberries, a small bowl holds cooked light brown onions with herbs. Fresh green parsley stems lie under all these bowls. Near the top center, there is a small glass jar of light brown dressing with a spoon inside. All the glass containers reflect the soft light, making the ingredients look fresh and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe uses simple, easily available ingredients that each add their own special touch to the final dish. From the crisp celery adding a fresh crunch, to the creamy blue cheese bringing depth, every component contributes to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright and tangy base for the vinaigrette, balancing the sweetness of cherries and maple syrup.

Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Maple syrup: Adds a subtle hint of natural sweetness to the dressing.
Garlic (grated): Offers a gentle pungency that lifts the salad’s taste profile.

Dijon mustard: Brings mild heat and a creamy texture to the vinaigrette.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and a slight kick, finishing the dressing beautifully.
Extra light olive oil: Makes the dressing smooth and silky while not overpowering the other ingredients.

Cooked winter wheat berries: The hearty, chewy grain base that’s full of nutrients and personality.
Sliced almonds: Toasted to golden perfection, imparting crunch and a nutty aroma.
Butter: Adds richness to the sautéed onions and thyme.
Yellow onion (diced): Softens with gentle cooking, adding sweetness and depth.

Thyme leaves (chopped): Their herbaceous notes elevate the overall flavor.
Celery (sliced): Provides crisp texture and freshness to the salad.
Dried cherries: Burst of concentrated tart sweetness that complements the grains.

Blue cheese (crumbled): Offers creaminess and a punch of savory intensity.
Parsley (minced): Freshens and brightens every bite.
Power greens salad blend: A mix of nutrient-dense greens that adds color, texture, and health benefits.

How to Make Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl with six visible layers of ingredients arranged separately but close together: dark red dried cranberries on the left, light green sliced celery below them, dark green chopped herbs beneath the celery, golden cooked onions on the right, creamy white crumbled cheese next to the onions, and toasted sliced almonds on top in the center. A black spatula is partially inside the bowl, touching the cooked onions. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Start by making the dressing, which is the heart of this salad’s vibrant flavor. In a small jar, combine the apple cider vinegar and kosher salt, whisking until the salt dissolves completely. Add maple syrup, grated garlic, dijon mustard, freshly cracked black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette becomes smooth and well emulated. This tangy and sweet dressing not only ties the components together but also wakes up your taste buds.

Step 2: Cook the Winter Wheat Berries

Rinse one cup of red winter wheat berries under cold water until the water runs clear — this removes any excess starch and ensures a clean taste. Add the rinsed wheat berries and 2 1/2 cups water to a rice cooker and cook on the brown rice setting. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Once tender and chewy, transfer the wheat berries to a large plate or shallow dish to cool completely. The chewy texture of these grains is the foundation of the Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe, giving it body and heartiness.

Step 3: Toast Almonds and Sauté Onions with Thyme

While your wheat berries cool, heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast the sliced almonds until they turn fragrant and golden—this brings out their natural oils and enhances their crunch. Remove almonds and let them cool on a clean dish. In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced yellow onions with a pinch of salt. Cook gently over medium to medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown. Stir in the chopped thyme and cook for another minute to infuse the onions with herbal warmth. This step layers depth and richness into your salad.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled wheat berries, toasted almonds, and sautéed onions with thyme. Next, fold in the sliced celery, dried cherries, crumbled blue cheese, and minced parsley. Toss gently to combine all of these beautiful components, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Finally, add the power greens salad blend for freshness and vibrant color. Toss again just before serving so your greens stay crisp and inviting.

Step 5: Garnish and Dress

Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or platter, then top it off with fresh pitted and halved cherries for a burst of juicy sweetness and a stunning presentation. Drizzle the desired amount of your homemade vinaigrette over the top. The contrast between the pop of cherries and the tangy dressing makes every bite a delightful surprise, truly capturing the essence of the Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe.

How to Serve Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Add a final sprinkle of toasted almonds or an extra crumble of blue cheese for added texture and richness. If you have fresh thyme or parsley, scatter a few leaves on top to amplify the herbal freshness. These simple garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal but also enhance the salad’s layered flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone meal, but if you want to create a more substantial spread, consider pairing it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a warm grain bowl. The Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe’s bright and hearty qualities complement richer proteins and lighter sides alike, making your meal balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the salad in individual cups or hollow out small bell peppers and fill them for an elegant finger food twist. Alternatively, layering this salad in a clear trifle bowl showcases the colorful ingredients beautifully, making your Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate if you want the greens to stay crisp longer, then toss just before serving. This salad’s flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers a tasty treat the next day.

Freezing

Since this salad contains fresh greens and cheese, freezing is not recommended as the texture will suffer. Instead, prepare the wheat berries in advance and freeze them separately, then assemble the salad fresh when ready.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the wheat berries and sautéed onions before tossing with the other ingredients (except the fresh greens and dressing). This offers a comforting twist on the Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe, perfect for cooler days.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of winter wheat berries?

Absolutely! While winter wheat berries offer a unique nutty flavor and firm texture, you can substitute with farro, barley, or even quinoa depending on your preference and availability.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, simply omit the blue cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

How long does it take to cook the winter wheat berries?

Cooking typically takes between 30 to 40 minutes in a rice cooker on the brown rice setting. If you don’t have a rice cooker, simmering on the stove with occasional stirring works well, just keep an eye on the texture.

Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?

Definitely! The vinaigrette can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Just give it a good shake before using to re-emulsify the ingredients.

What can I use instead of dried cherries?

If dried cherries aren’t available, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s truly comforting and exciting all at once. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, this salad stands out with its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes—it’s a delicious invitation to enjoy seasonal goodness any day of the year.

Cherry Winter Wheat Berry Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need