Wheatberry and Broccoli Salad with a Citrus-Parmesan Vinaigrette

Makes 12 servings

Liz

Another inspiration from www.101cookbooks.com. You can vary the veggies with the season, though broccoli and green peas seem to work really well with the citrus and wheat flavors. Wheatberries are also sometimes called farro. You can use coarse grain bulgur wheat or barley here too, though the taste is not quite the same.

ingredients

4 to 6 big handfuls of mixed salad greens, washed and dried - I really like spinach
2 cups wheatberries (farro), rinsed and drained
5 cups water (or stock)
2 teaspoons fine-grain sea salt
1/4 fresh orange juice
1 shallot, chopped
1/3 cup Parmesan, freshly shredded
2 tablespoon wine vinegar
1/3 cup good quality olive oil
a couple big pinches of salt
1 small head broccoli, separated into bite-sized, blanched
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup Spanish almonds, or toasted regular almonds
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled

directions

1
Combine the wheatberries, salt, and water in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wheatberries are tender, 45 minutes to an hour. Taste often as it is cooking, as you want it to retain it’s structure without breaking down. Remove from heat, drain any excess water, and set aside.
2
While the grains are simmering make the dressing. In a jar or small bowl combine the orange juice, shallot, Parmesan cheese, vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside. Blanch or microwave the broccoli until barely cooked and bright green.
3
Just before serving, in a large bowl, toss the broccoli, peas, and salad greens with a bit of the dressing. Add the wheatberries and another generous splash of the dressing - gently toss again. Taste and add more dressing and/or salt and pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle with the feta or goat cheese and almonds. Yum.

notes

You can easily resize this recipe for fewer or more servings. If you make this ahead of time, add the broccoli and peas just before serving - they'll turn a little gray if left overnight.

Source: Liz