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Summer Pesto Spelt Berry Salad

 1 cup dried spelt berries (or other grain, like farro, wheat berries, or wild rice)
 1/4-1/3 cup pesto (here is our recipe for Kale & Walnut Pesto and our recipe for Perfect Basil Pesto.)
Extras:
 Cherry tomatoes
 Semi-hard cheese (like mozzarella) cut into cubes
 Cooked, leftover chicken
 Fresh sweet corn kernels
 Lightly steamed cauliflower or broccoli florets
 Some sunflower seeds
1

Rinse the spelt berries in running water and then soak overnight (8 hours or so.)

2

Drain and rinse the spelt berries, and then put them in a pot and cover with 3 cups of water.

3

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 35-45 minutes. Taste-- it's sort of like cooking pasta, you want to have a little chewy bite to them still without being crunchy. Might take up to an hour. Drain any excess water.

4

While still warm, toss with the pesto, adding more or less to your taste.

5

Add in your extras-- we had some frozen cherry tomatoes that we sautéed, some cubes of mozzarella, and then we sprinkled some sunflower seeds on top, but you can get creative! Sweet corn, broccoli, or some cooked leftover chicken would all be delicious. Serve warm or cold.