Asparagus and Red Onion Wheat Berry Salad

"Wheat berries?," you ask? Allow me to explain... You're looking at whole kernels of wheat, before they are ground up into flour. These hearty little whole grains are full of flavor, protein, fiber, and iron (an A+ in my vegan book) and can replace rice in almost any meal. The little guys are waiting for you in the bulk section at Whole Foods, your local Co-Op, or any other health food store/ market.

The asparagus this spring is amazing and I've been trying to avoid my usual -roasted asparagus, salt, and pepper and be more creative. So, here is my first attempt at being more adventurous with my asparagus. Enjoy!

Asparagus and Red Onion Wheat Berry Salad

You will need:

1 cup of wheat berries

a handfull of asparagus

1/2 of a red onion

3 cups water

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tbsp white balsamic

2 tbsp dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey (or agave)

Wheat Berries:

Bring 3 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt to a boil

Pour 1 cup of wheat berries into boiling water, and bring back to a boil

Simmer for 45 minutes/ 1 hour

Drain wheat berries and allow to cool

The Veggies:

Wash and cut asparagus into bite size slices

Slice red onion

In a medium sized skillet, saute onions and asparagus in olive oil until tender

While these are cooking, mix the olive oil, white balsamic, dijon mustard, and honey (or agave) together for the dressing

Mix the veggies in with the wheat berries, drizzle the dressing, mix, and allow to cool. I really liked this salad cold but it would also be delicious warm.

Buon Appetito