Grain Salad with Tomato, Corn & Basil

Makes 6 servings

This simple grain salad has become a staple in my house: I keep cooked wheat berries on hand, so all that’s needed are some fresh tomatoes, corn and basil from the market. For a heartier lunch or a light dinner, I fold in feta and a thick lemon topping. The result? Our new summertime salad.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad:

1 cup wheat berries
3 cups cold water
¼ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped (approximately ⅓ cup)
2 ears fresh corn, shucked, kernels sliced off the cob (approximately 1¾ cups)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1½ cups quartered cherry tomatoes
¾ cup chopped fresh basil
Black pepper, to taste
½ cup feta or goat cheese

For the Topping:

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. fresh lemon zest
½ tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the salad, use a medium saucepan on medium heat and combine the wheat berries, water and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–45 minutes or until wheat berries are cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from the heat and let it stand for 10 minutes, then drain any excess water.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and stir for 3–4 minutes. Add the corn and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir until the corn softens and begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, stir to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set corn mixture aside.
3. To prepare the topping, in a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, kosher salt and black pepper; mix until smooth.
4. Combine the cooked wheat berries, corn mixture, tomatoes, basil and lemon topping in a bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Fold in the cheese and serve at room temperature, or chill for 15–20 minutes to serve cold. Store any leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 210
Total Fat 10g (13%)
Saturated Fat 2.964g (15%)
Trans Fat 0.003g
Total Carbohydrate 26g (9%)
Dietary Fiber 4g (14%)
Total Sugars 4g
Includes 0g Added Sugars (0%)
Cholesterol 10mg (3%)
Sodium 720mg (31%)
Protein 6g (12%)
Vitamin D 0.3mcg (2%)
Calcium 89mg (6%)
Iron 1.27mg (8%)
Potassium 335mg (8%)
Phosphorus (15%)