This radicchio and wheatberry salad will be your new summertime favorite! It has great chew, plenty of crunch from pecans, and a flavorful maple olive oil dressing to pull it al together.
I love my salads in the summer and this one is equal parts beautiful, nutritious and delicious! Radicchio adds such a unique flavor (and a vibrant purple color). Its bitterness is balanced out with sweet crunchy apples and a maple dressing. And of course no salad is complete without crumbly cheese, so here you’ll find bleu which adds a rich bite to every bite!
Here’s everything you need to make it:
Wheatberry Salad Ingredients
Two of the ingredients are stand-outs and a little bit less common than the others: wheatberries and radicchio!
Wheatberries
For whole grains and chew, aka “wheat berries.” You might also see them as “hard red winter wheat” in stores. If you can’t find them, you can use farro instead – it’s very similar!
Radicchio
Radicchio gets chopped and browned in a skillet.
Baby spinach
Or your favorite leafy green (like thinly shredded kale or arugula)
Apples
For something sweet!
Pecans
For crunch and heart-healthy fats
Bleu cheese
For richness and flavor. You can sub in any crumbly cheese you like in its place.
Herb-infused olive oil + maple syrup
All About Wheatberries
Wheatberry Nutrition
Wheatberries are whole wheat kernels that still have the bran and germ intact, but the (inedible) husk is removed. It’s basically wheat in its most unrefined form. Because of this, wheatberries are rich in nutrients such as fiber, iron and vitamin E. The berries are slightly nutty, have a chewy texture and are most often used in salads, soups and breakfast bowls.
Where do you find them?
Find them near the other whole grains in the grocery store, or in the bulk bins at natural food stores. We used to have giant bags of them at Great Harvest that we would grind into our fresh flour for bread! I could take a cup home whenever I needed. Of course you can always order online too! Bob’s Red Mill is one mainstream brand that sells wheatberries.
What’s the best way to cook wheatberries?
Similar to other whole grains, you can simmer wheatberries on the stove, or use a slow cooker or an instant pot to cook them. Some people prefer to soak them first to cut down on actual cooking time but it’s not required.
What are some good substitutions?
Farro is a great substitute and is often easier to find. You could also substitute barley. Both have a similar “chew” and are about the same size and shape.
What is radicchio?
Radicchio is another lesser-know (and underrated!) ingredient in this salad, but don’t let its reputation for bitterness scare you off. The keys to using radicchio in your recipes are:
- prepping it (soaking in cold water or lightly cooking first), and
- pairing it with something sweet to balance the bitterness.
Chopping it in smaller pieces or slicing thin is also a good idea. It adds a beautiful pop of color and pairs well with the spinach for a double dose of vegetables.
Clearly radicchio is awesome in salads, but if you’re feeling adventurous try it grilled too. That’s my favorite way to enjoy it.
Radicchio Substitutes
If you can’t find it, try subbing red leaf lettuce or thinly sliced purple cabbage. The flavor won’t be the same, but you’ll still get the color contrast. You can also double up on spinach.
Hello, gorgeous! Just look at that texture. This salad is the opposite of boring spring mix.
This radicchio and wheatberry salad comes together fast and is so much more interesting than your traditional spinach salad. Bring it to a backyard party, meal prep it for lunches or serve it alongside a light summer dinner.
You might also like:
Radicchio and Wheatberry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheatberries (or farro) cooked
- 1 small head radicchio chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 apple sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- 1/3 cup bleu cheese
- 2 tbsp herb-infused olive oil or olive oil + rosemary
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium high and add radicchio; cook until brown.
- Toss cooked wheatberries in a bowl with radicchio, spinach, apple, pecans and cheese.
- Mix olive oil and maple syrup in a small jar.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- If you can't find wheatberries, farro makes an excellent substitute.
- Any crumbly cheese will work in place of the bleu cheese.
Photography by: Leanne Ray at Healthyish Appetite
Erin (Travel Eat Repeat) says
You have sunshine in C-ville? Very jealous! We’re on our second straight week of nothing but rain and clouds here in DC, just a little north of you.
Cait's Plate says
I LOOOOOVE wheatberries! I really need to get my hands on some to throw into yogurts, oats and salads. I just adore their chewy texture 🙂
Sorry for the lows in your day but at least the highs were good ones!! It’s the absolute worst when furniture doesn’t fit…I totally feel for you. We’re moving this weekend and I have a strong suspicion we’re going to be the in the exact same boat with a lot of our stuff!
Christine @ Oatmeal in my Bowl says
You salad looks delish! I bet it taste wonderful with the Rosemary, Garlic & Herb oil. Sounds like a great pairing with the radicchio in the salad.
Sorry to hear the couch didn’t fit. But looking forward to new house updates. Loving your style. 🙂
Jennifer says
Eww….spiders. I was looking for it in your pictures. 🙂
I love your new closets! Wow! I’m afraid to go to IKEA. (haha) I would want so many things.
Gina (Yogattude) says
I was wondering if a steam mop would work on the fake stuff! Our apt advertised wood floors, but it’s def not real wood…I’ve been wanting to get a steam mop, but wasn’t sure if the steam would cause damage.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
So sad that the couch didn’t fit!
I am glad I know that steam mops do not ruin the floors. We have laminite flooring.. and need a better way to clean them. What kind of steam mop is it?
KathEats says
I have a Shark Vac then Steam. Works wel!
Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine says
That salad looks so fresh and yummy! I am not good at creating salads. 🙂
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
Ah life…a rollercoaster.
Samantha says
Ughhh hate when that happens to the corners of the walls!!
[email protected] says
I think I am so creative with salads until I read about some of yours. All those flavors sound great. I’ve never thought to cook radicchio, thanks for the ideas.
Kori says
Funny enough while on my drive home from school this afternoon, I found a spider on my neck!!!!!! Once I flung it down onto the floorboard, I had to ride with my left foot up in my seat b/c I didn’t know where it had gone. As soon as I arrived home, I jumped out of my car & looked for it & was thankfully able to get it out. Ick! On a HIGHLIGHT (=]), your post & lunch, as always were awesome!!! =D
KathEats says
ahhhh!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Wow your house is coming along sooo well. It’s beautiful, Kath! Sorry to hear about the couch not fitting and the subsequently beatup wall from the failed attempts. I have actually had both happen. With a california king mattress.
The wheatberry salad looks delish too!
Jane @ Broccolini + Cheese says
I just love how your house is coming along! You all are doing such a nice job! That salad looks fantastic! Happy Tuesday!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Kath, where did you get your printed chairs and couch? I love them!
KathEats says
They were inherited from Karen from the 90s 🙂
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
What a fun post! I am glad you had MORE highlights 🙂
I love spinach in salads!!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Such a cute post 🙂 Bummer about the sofa, at least you are getting a new one!
Deva @ Deva by Definition says
I am glad that you were able to take the sofa for exchange – it’s a bummer when things don’t fit, though! I love your ottoman!
Joanne says
You have to have the “lowlights” so you can appreciate the “highlights” so much more. 🙂
That’s such a happy salad.
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Yay for all the highs!! Huge bummer about the couch, but who needs a 3rd person in the marriage anyway? hehe I’m sure the loveseat will be great.
LOVE your finished basement! That is primo 😀
Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather says
Your salad is calling my name! It looks outta this world good. I love all the highlights and lowlights. Such a fun post 🙂
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
Man, it’s such a bummer when furniture doesn’t fit. It’s definitely best not to force it though– we knocked off a pretty sizeable chunk of wall when we were trying to get our bed into our bedroom in our old house!! Whoops!
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites says
The lowlights in our lives just help us appreciate the highlights even more! 🙂
Love that salad idea.. so creative 🙂 I tend to steer clear of really bitter greens but I really love your maple syrup tip. I will have give it a go! I bet the maple syrup was heavenly with the blue cheese crumbles 🙂
Angel7 says
I do not think I have ever had radicchio.
I am always looking for a new, awesome olive oil, and will have to add this one to my to-try list.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Sweet and Savvy says
Oh I would love one big sink!! Small two compartment ones are really inconvenient.
That salad recipe looks amazing! Just like the weather outside 🙂 I am having similar weater and LOVING it!
Carla says
Where did all your wire shelving come from? Suitable for heavy loads?
KathEats says
Lowes and absolutely!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I needs to try wheatberries, they look amazing 🙂
nick says
hi kath i like your food and i like your place so mush
Elisabeth says
Bummer on the couch! (And the matching damaged wall…) Here’s to an evening of highs to make up for it! 😉
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
here’s hoping ther highlights outweighed the low lights! It certainly looks like a productive day 🙂
Jen says
I did a lot of research on the steam mops.. I have engineered hardwood flooring. They’re hard wood glued to fake stuff that allows them to snap together. Mine aren’t sealed… meaning the cracks between the floorboards aren’t sealed shut. I purchased the house with the floors installed. Most mfgs say NOT to use the steam mop because the heat and steam can get in between the boards and warp the stuff underneath. So I would use caution with the steam mop if the floorboards aren’t sealed together.
I do have a steam mop and have used it on the floors, but I only do so like once every 6 months or so. Most the time I use a hardwood laminate spray and swiffer-like mop with a washable microfiber cloth..most mfgs recommend this.
KathEats says
Oh dear. I will just be conservative!
Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy says
OH I hate spiders! I always scream and run away! I love the chair that is in your basement and the curtains to your storage shelves!
janetha says
Ha, I just posted my own highlights and lowlights yesterday and yelled at the red squiggly line telling me that “lowlights” isn’t a word. It definitely is.
Natalie the Awesome says
wow looks awesomely yummy!!!! 😉
stephanie svajgl says
Did you guys chose that green paint color? I love it and would love to know the name of it!
Thanks!
KathEats says
Yep – it’s a look alike of Benjamin Moore Veranda View
Hillary says
Highlight: Pizza for lunch (yes, really).
Lowlight: Class from 7-9:30. Grad school needs to be over, like, now.
Jen says
I’m addicted to apple butter. I imagine fig butter could match it – good thing it’s not available here!
Molly @ RDexposed says
I love how bright your house is..even the basement/lower level!
Mariel says
I feel your pain, Kath! My boyfriend and I had a couch delivered and we encountered the exact same problem. I was so sad to send it back because it was such a nice couch–we still haven’t had a chance to go pick out another one!
Betsy says
well, you should feel good about yourself because I am eating YOUR kale chip recipe (complete with the catchup!) with spaghetti squash (with butter, tomato sauce and shaved parm) – two things I wouldn’t have ever considered dinner until reading your blog. You are just stellar at the old blogging thing! I had highs and lows today too… it must be in the air!
KathEats says
😉
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Wheatberries are my favorite. I just found a hidden plastic bag of them in the pantry. I thought for the longest time they were steel cut oats from a quick glance and then just realized they were wheatberries! So excited to have some on hand now for quick salads. They have the best chew factor 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I love that room!!! The little amount of furniture actually makes it super comfy looking!
Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel says
Ack, spiders are NOT OK! I would have freaked out. Julia & bugs do not get along….
maria @ a life to bragg about says
You’re house is so pretty. Please come to mine and decorate for me, thanks! 😀
Meghan @ Day-to-Day Crazy says
I am so jealous of your basement storage area! I’m one of those “special” people who get overly excited about organizational knick-knacks and spaces. Love yours!
Laura says
I’m excited about fall apples too! I just had a really similar salad. Fennel, blue cheese, pecans, arugula, red onion and lovely EVOO with a truly delicious balsamic vinegar. The radicchio sounds so amazing though. I have to try it next!
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
What a beautiful lunch. I love wheatberries, and don’t think of cooking them up as often as I should.
Glad to hear your steam mop worked on the laminate wood floor. We are moving into a house that has that same flooring in the living room next month. I LOVE my steam mop, and would hate to not be able to use it. Yay!
~
Morgan @ moments of mmm says
Your basement looks so light and airy! Very rare for a basement, how nice! Where did you find your fig butter? That sounds delish. 🙂 Maybe it’s easy to make too? Have a fabulous day!
KathEats says
It’s Trader Joe’s – was a blog reader gift
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
That’s too bad about the couch, but you seemed to have some really great highlights! And that salad lpoke like heaven, I’m practically drooling over my phone on the bus home.
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
that salad looks fantastic! do you find that the oil/maple dressing makes the soggy salad while you use it up during the week… or is it light enough that it stays fresh? this is a perfect make-ahead fancy-ish lunch!
KathEats says
Since it’s not a lettuce-based salad, it seems to be fine
Karen says
What a nice bright basement you have…love the light oaky wood flooring throughout the house. And, awesome food photography…your salad creation looks positively yum! Wishing you a “highlightful” eve too, Kath!
M says
I am just so amazed you guys were able to buy this beautiful house
during the same year you opened a new business-that is pretty
unheard of for a young couple like you!
Won’t ask how you did it,but I am a wee bit jealous for sure!
Happy housewarming!
Melissa says
I wish I had your eye! The house looks great! Here’s to more highlights for you guys. 🙂
katie @KatieDid says
haha had to laugh at the third person joining the marriage. I think a loveseat will look just perfect in that location! I’m just in awe of the finished basement I think it will look gorgeous once all put together.
D @ Lifevsfood.com says
I’ve had a few spiders in my lower level too. Its the time of year *gasp*. I actually had a professional come and spray for them today but found out shortly after he left that he used Suspend SC which is available on Amazon for 1/3 the cost of what he did today.
Why am I poisoning the earth? Because the spiders I find are large enough to have personality. I think the other-day one of them asked me if I was going to finish my sandwich.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Have you thought about buying a sofa that you could assemble in the basement?–like an Ikea sofa perhaps? Not sure if that still wouldn’t fit in deconstructed form down the stairs…
KathEats says
Yeah, but we really wanted something that was really, really comfy with a very deep seat and a big ottoman…hard to find!
Meredith says
Awwww, that is sooooo sad about the couch! I can totally relate to the lowlights and highlights today… my lowlight was a rug that I’m in love with on overstock sold out 🙁 highlight was my barney butter arriving! 🙂
Sarah Lienard says
Your lunch looks gorgeous! Shame about the couch though. I’d be super excited about the closet though, looks perfect!
JenATX says
cool basement!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love the closets! That’s one mistake we made when buying our house, not enough closet space! I love,love, love your basement!!
Khushboo says
I love the optimism behind this post- glad you can see the silver lining!
REAL Life in Rofo says
I love reading your blog for healthy eats inspiration. I have some wheatberries in my freezer. I just might have to find a way to enjoy them today!! The new house looks amazing!! I feel inspired to organize mine, too 🙂
Rachel says
We had the couch problem at our old house. We ended up buying a couch that the back came off in 3 sections. The two outside seats recline too.
LynninRI says
Love your new home – Where oh where did you find the amazing curtains covering your storage racks??????????????????????/
KathEats says
Lowes!
LynninRI says
Thank you!!! (she types, grabbing her keys and heading to the car…)
Sarah says
I love the highlight vs. lowlights, and love that there are more highlights than lows! Bummer about the couch (and the spider), but hopefully that means there’s a BETTER couch in the future!
Christy says
We’ve got lots of bookcases from IKEA and they go together really well once you get the hang of it. Very sad about the couch…darn stairwells/hallways in basements!
Dee says
That salad looks delicious!
Tami Jo Eaton says
Where is your closet? In another room? In California there are not many houses that have basements. This may be a dumb questions, but if you and Matt are downstairs watching tv, can you hear someone knocking at your front door?
KathEats says
It’s in the master bedroom.
If the TV is loud, then no, but if it’s not we can. We always keep that door locked though
Lele says
MMM that salad looks AMAZING!
Nina Paul says
I do agree with you about Radicchio, this is an underrated vegetable.
Shweta says
A perfect salad for garden party or picnic…So refreshing and delicious!
Kath Younger says
Thanks for taking the time to review it!