Wheat Berry Salad with Beets and Feta

This Wheat Berry Salad with Beets and Feta is a hearty, nutty, and vibrant dish that brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, the creamy saltiness of feta, and the bright freshness of herbs and citrus vinaigrette. With its chewy texture and bold flavors, this salad is perfect as a Thanksgiving side, a fall-inspired lunch, or a light yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Hearty – Wheat berries provide fiber, protein, and a satisfying chew.
• Colorful and Festive – The deep reds, golden yellows, and bright greens make this a beautiful dish for any holiday table.
• Sweet and Savory Balance – Roasted beets, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds create a delicious contrast of flavors.
• Great for Meal Prep – This salad holds up well and tastes even better the next day.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a Thanksgiving side, light lunch, or vegetarian main dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 1 cup wheat berries
• 2 medium beets, roasted and diced (1 red, 1 golden)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• ⅓ cup pomegranate seeds

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Wheat Berries:

1. Rinse the wheat berries under cold water.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the wheat berries, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, until tender but chewy.
4. Drain any excess water and let cool.

Roast the Beets:

5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Wrap each beet in foil and place on a baking sheet.
7. Roast for 40-50 minutes, until fork-tender.
8. Let cool, then peel and dice into small cubes.

Prepare the Dressing:

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

10. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wheat berries, roasted beets, feta, parsley, dill, and pomegranate seeds.
11. Drizzle with the citrus vinaigrette and toss to coat.

Serve and Enjoy:

12. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Nuts – Toss in chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Make it Vegan – Swap feta for dairy-free cheese or add avocado for creaminess.
• Citrus Twist – Use grapefruit or lemon juice instead of orange for a brighter flavor.
• Herb Substitutions – Try mint or basil instead of dill for a fresh twist.
• Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted quinoa for a heartier meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the beets and wheat berries may become mushy.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the wheat berries and roast the beets in advance for easy assembly later.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of wheat berries?

Yes! Farro, quinoa, or brown rice are great substitutes with similar textures.

How do I know when the beets are done roasting?

They should be fork-tender and easy to peel. Let them cool slightly before handling.

Can I use pre-cooked beets?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked or canned beets work well if you’re short on time.

How do I keep the red beets from staining everything?

Peel them using gloves or a paper towel and dice them on parchment paper to avoid stains.

Can I serve this warm instead of cold?

Yes! The salad is delicious warm or chilled, making it great for all seasons.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or a fall-inspired soup.

Is this salad gluten-free?

No, but you can substitute quinoa or wild rice for a gluten-free version.

Can I add a dressing substitute?

Yes! A simple balsamic vinaigrette or lemon tahini dressing also works beautifully.

Can I make this the night before?

Yes! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.

What other cheese works well in this salad?

Goat cheese or blue cheese are great alternatives to feta for a bolder taste.

Conclusion

This Wheat Berry Salad with Beets and Feta is a nutritious, flavorful, and visually stunning dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering. With its chewy wheat berries, sweet roasted beets, creamy feta, and bright citrus vinaigrette, this salad is a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Whether served warm or cold, it’s a refreshing, healthy, and satisfying addition to your holiday table!