Wheatberry and Watercress Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe

Name: Wheatberry and Watercress Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 8 ounces sliced bacon, diced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 4 cups cooked and cooled wheatberries; 1 large bunch watercress, finely chopped; 1 small red onion, finely chopped and soaked in water for 5 minutes, drained; 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced; Kosher salt; Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Grain salads are forgiving and flexible, and nutty wheatberries take well to all kinds of vegetables like fennel, arugula, or carrots. But peppery watercress, red onion, and scallion add pungency to this salad, which is dressed with a vinaigrette of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and bacon fat.

Why this recipe works:

The warm bacon dressing slightly wilts the watercress and onions, turning them more aromatic.
A balanced vinaigrette brings subtle bacon smokiness but also plenty of acidity.
Bacon bits and shaved Parmesan add meaty, savory crunch.

Note: Since bacon fat solidifies as it cools, this salad is best served just after it's made.

What to Do With Whole Grains? Make These 2 Delicious Salads

Wheatberry and Watercress Salad With Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe

Prep 5 mins

Cook 10 mins

Active 15 mins

Total 15 mins

Serves 4 to 6 servings

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8 ounces sliced bacon, diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 to 2 whole lemons
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
4 cups cooked and cooled wheatberries
1 large bunch watercress, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped and soaked in water for 5 minutes, drained
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt
Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

Heat bacon in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crisp, and its fat has rendered, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Measure 6 tablespoons bacon fat, reserving the rest for another use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together bacon fat, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until dressing is creamy and completely emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine wheatberries, watercress, reserved bacon, red onion, and scallions, then toss with dressing. Season with salt. Top with Parmesan and serve immediately.

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What to Do With Whole Grains? Make These 2 Delicious Salads

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
390	Calories
15g	Fat
44g	Carbs
23g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	390
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g	19%
Saturated Fat 5g	24%
Cholesterol 38mg	13%
Sodium 758mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate 44g	16%
Dietary Fiber 8g	29%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 23g
Vitamin C 7mg	34%
Calcium 50mg	4%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 484mg	10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.