Wheat Berry, Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken Breasts

I want to introduce you to my new favorite grain - the Wheat Berry.  According to Wikipedia, a "wheat berry or wheatberry is an entire wheat kernel (except for the hull), composed of the bran, germ, and endosperm."

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I first discovered Wheat Berries when I was browsing through my Cooking Light magazine that featured several Wheat Berry Salad recipes.  The one that really caught my attention was Wheat Berry, Spinach and Strawberry Salad. 

I had a little trouble finding wheat berries in my local grocery stores so I ended up at Whole Foods in search of the unique grain.  It was worth the extra effort to track down these Wheat Berries though.  I really like the chewy texture of the nutty Wheat Berry. 

Wheat Berry, Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Grilled Chicken
1 Tablespoon butter
1/3 cup almonds, sliced
3/4 cups wheat berry
1 1/2 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1/4 cup sliced strawberries

Bring 2 1/4 cups water and wheat berries to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.

Drain and rinse in cold water.

Melt butter in skillet.  Add almonds and cook 1 minute.

Remove skillet from heat.  Stir in wheat berry.

Combine oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Stir in spinach and basil.

Divide spinach mixture among 4 plates.  Top with wheat berry mixture, Parmesan cheese and fresh strawberries.

Top with sliced grilled chicken.

Need more reasons to try this yummy recipe?

Here are the nutritional facts about 1/4 cup of wheat berries:
Calories: 139 calories
Fiber: 5 grams
Protein: 4 1/2 grams
Fat: Less than 1 gram
Magnesium: 53 milligrams
Potassium:  164 milligrams

Now that I know I'm a fan, I'm on the lookout for more Wheat Berry recipes.  Have a good one?  Send it to me and I'll give it a try. 

Ciao!

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