Raw Sprouted Cucumber Salad
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the “Big Olive Oil Night” at Cafe Levain in Minneapolis. It was a fun and educational evening, sponsored by California Olive Ranch. We learned that there are areas in California that are great spots to grow olives! I was amazed at how much olive growing was like wine. They even prune their trees to resemble the vine pruning.
I have to admit, I was impressed with not only the freshness of the oil but also the taste. It was amazing. I left with a complimentary bottle of the Arbosana. All of the oils are cold pressed and never see heat over 87 degrees so great for a raw food recipe. Wanting to experiment with this beautiful, fresh olive oil, I started throwing some ingredients together. What I ended up with is a perfect summer salad, hearty enough for lunch or dinner. The use of sprouted wheat berries adds a beautiful flavor, crunch and tons of nutrients!
Wheat berries are very simple to sprout. I always use hard winter wheat when sprouting. Simply soak the berries overnight, then rinse two to three times a day until they sprout, which can happen in just a day and a half. 1 cup of wheat berries will yield 2 cups of sprouted wheat. For this recipe, I started by sprouting one and a half cups and had the perfect amount.
I used the olive oil in a beautiful lime basil vinaigrette. Made with honey as a sweetener, if you don’t use honey, you can substitute agave or another sweetener. I think this recipe will become one of your raw food recipe staples.
Cucumber Watermelon Wheat Berry Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette
SERVES 4
Cucumber Watermelon Wheat Berry Salad
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 2 cups diced watermelon
- 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 cups sprouted wheat berries
- Toss all ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
Lime Basil Vinaigrette
- 2 limes, juice from
- 1/3 cup olive oil, cold pressed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
- Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
- Whisk all ingredients except basil, salt and pepper together until thick.
- Stir in basil. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour over salad ingredients and toss.
Denise Walden wrote on January 23, 2013
Are these the same wheat berries that you use to grow wheat grass? I have several bags that I use for wheat grass, I did not know you could sprout and eat them? Thanks for the help….
Martin wrote on June 5, 2012
Hi, I have question. What about proper food combining, where is told to NOT combine melons with anything? Or you have never observed any problems with melon combinations? Thanks
Susan wrote on June 5, 2012
Honestly, with raw, I haven’t had any problems. So, I just make recipes that I love and love to eat. Cheers!