An Autumn Salad

I discovered this recipe a while ago and kept it tucked away. I honestly was intimidated. Some of the ingredients I hadn't ever used before. I've been intrigued lately by grain salads that I've had in restaurants and found them to be quite satisfying. This tucked away recipe continued to call for me to make it and so I did. The results were phenomenal.


Gorgeous bowl handmade by my beautiful niece

3 Grain Salad (click here for printable recipe)

Ingredients

Salad:
5 cups water
4 teaspoons vegetable-flavor instant bouillon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked wheat berries, rinsed
1/3 cup uncooked medium pearl barley
1/3 cup uncooked regular long-grain brown rice
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled red apple (1 to 2 medium)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup raisins ( I used Craisins)
1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted, chopped

Dressing:
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 teaspoon grated ginger root

Directions

In 3-quart saucepan, bring water, bouillon and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Add wheat berries; return to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add barley and rice; cook an additional 50 minutes or until all grains are tender. Drain.

In large serving bowl, combine wheat berry mixture, apple, onion and raisins; mix well.

In small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; mix well.

Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate 2 to 6 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in pecans.

*Instant brown rice, can be substituted for the regular brown rice, add 1/3 cup instant brown rice 40 minutes after adding the barley.
*To toast pecan halves, spread on cookie sheet; bake at 350°F. for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Or spread pecan halves in thin layer in microwave-safe pie pan. Microwave on High for 4 to 7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.



Just in case you don't know much about Wheat Berries or Barley here are some photos to help you when you look for them. I found Barley by the rice and Wheat Berries located in the specialty health food section. I hope that helps!