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The Good Hearted Woman

Home Cooking & Cozy Living

  • SOURDOUGH RECIPES & RESOURCES

Apocalypse Salad { aka Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad }

January 28 By Renée 12 Comments

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Chewy, nutty wheat berries mix with creamy pineapple fluff to make a this delicious Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad. Keep it simple, or add one (or more) of the optional mix-ins. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, it’s perfect for potlucks too! 

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

A little over twenty years ago, everyone’s cousin was losing their mind over an impeding world-wide “Y2K” tech meltdown. As far as I’m concerned, this wheat berry salad recipe is the only good thing to come out of the whole brouhaha. 

Warning: Content contains mildly sentimental recipe-origin narrative. Read on to enjoy the story. [Click here to go directly to the recipe.]

The Millennium Bug, tech experts explained, was a line of faulty code that would cause problems when dealing with dates beyond December 31, 1999. The Y2K glitch had the potential to disrupt anything on the planet with a computer chip, from garage door openers to airplane guidance systems. 

Doomsdayers shouted from street corners, warning how life as we know was to end at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve 1999. Even mainstream, moderate media offered public warnings about potential utility and power failures, disruption in ground transportation, and concerns over air travel safety.

The Y2K prophets of doom who envisage global blackouts, world economic recession and planes falling out of the sky may be substantially wide of the mark but even the most sanguine commentators are advising caution when it comes to transport, particularly airline transport.
– The Irish Times, Jan. 22, 1999

During this insanity, all sorts of emergency preparedness events and products popped up around the country; and while there is nothing wrong with being prepared for emergencies, the hysteria surrounding Y2K reached epic proportions.

Preparedness conferences, disaster prep classes, and doomsday survival guides proliferated. Costco sold enormous buckets of freeze-dried foods to stock the shelves of underground bunkers. Television programming, movies, unsettling commercials, and even a Y2K themed Simpsons episode fanned the flames. 

As it turned out, midnight on New Year’s Eve 1999 came and went, and we passed into the new millennium* unceremoniously. Almost disappointingly so.

[*Officially, the new millennium began at zero hour, Greenwich Mean Time, on January 1, 2001 (not 2000) according to rules adopted at an international conference held in October 1884. But we can save that discussion for another time.]

Midnight December 31, 1999 came and went, and NOTHING happened. No Thing. Lights stayed on. Water continued to flow. Planes did not fall from the sky. Mutant robot kitchen appliances did not rise up. The world did not plunge into darkness or financial chaos. 

For me, the only truly good thing to come from all the Y2K fuss was this amazing Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad recipe.

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

In the fall of 1999, my husband and I attended a preparedness conference; one primarily focused on long-term food storage and natural disaster planning. We went mostly on a lark, but I have to admit; it was an interesting experience. We were avid campers, and it was fun to see the staggering number of solar ovens and other next-level camping gadgets and gizmos.

Over the course of a few hours, we must have sampled at least a hundred different “food storage-friendly” products. Just when I thought I couldn’t look at even one more dehydrated chili sample, we were greeted by a Montana hard red wheat vendor who offered us each a little paper cup full of a creamy, sweet wheat berry salad. Not a freeze-dried lentil in sight! It was heaven! 

We walked out of the conference with two things: a fancy new grain mill and a recipe for wheat berry salad printed on a small slip of paper. 

Admittedly, this tasty little concoction has more processed foods on its Ingredient List than I usually like to use, but the end of the world only comes around once, so there you are. 

Hence, I give you Apocalypse Salad.

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

Keep it simple, or make things interesting with one or more tasty mix-ins.

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Perfect for Potlucks!

Apocalypse Salad (aka Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad) makes an excellent potluck dish! The recipe makes a large amount and can be made well ahead of time. It lasts for over a week in the fridge, and you can even freeze it! 

"Apocalypse Salad" - Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad {w/ optional Mix-ins}
5 from 4 votes

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad {With Optional Mix-ins}

Chewy, nutty wheat berries mix with creamy pineapple fluff to make a this delicious Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad. Keep it simple, or add one (or more) of the optional mix-ins. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, it's perfect for potlucks, too! 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pineapple, wheat berries
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 115kcal
Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat berries uncooked
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 - 20 oz can crushed pineapple undrained
  • 1 - 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding dry
  • 1 - 8 oz tub Frozen Whipped Topping defrosted
Mix-in Ideas [TOTALLY OPTIONAL]
  • maraschino cherries drained and sliced
  • mini marshmallows
  • pepitos
  • chocolate chips
  • coconut
  • pineapple tidbits

Instructions

How to Cook Wheat Berries

  • OPTIONAL: Toast the wheat berries first.
    Toasting enhances the nutty flavor of the wheat berries.
    Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Spread the wheat berries evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and aromatic.
    Hard Red Wheat on cutting board
  • OPTIONAL: Soak wheat berries overnight.
    Soaking shortens the cooking time, but is not critical to cooking.
    Place 1 ½ cups of wheat berries in a medium bowl. Cover with enough boiling water so that there is about an inch of water above the wheat berries. Soak overnight.
  • Three Ways to Cook Wheat Berries
    Wheat berries are done when they are tender and chewy. Test for doneness as you cook them.
    NOTE: The cooking times for wheat berries in this recipe are based on cooking hard red winter wheat berries. The specific kind of wheat berry you buy, as well as product age, will influence the cooking time. 
    [1] Slow Cooker Method (This is my preferred method.)
    Put presoaked wheat berries in slow cooker and add enough water so that it comes to at least one inch above the wheat berries. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until chewy and tender.
    When done, drain excess liquid. Set aside.
    [2] Instant Pot Method:
    Combine 1 1/2 cups wheat berries, 4½ cups water, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot.
    Secure the lid and seal the valve. Set the manual timer for 35 minutes.
    When done, do quick release by moving the valve to vent the steam. Let all the steam release.
    Drain excess liquid. Set aside.
    [3] Stovetop Method:
    In a medium saucepan, combine presoaked wheat berries, a pinch of salt, and enough water so that there is at least 1 inch of water on top of the wheat berries.
    Bring to a boil.
    Cover and reduce heat to medium; cook until tender, 35 to 45 minutes. Remove pan from heat; let steam, covered, 15 minutes.
    Test for doneness. Wheat berries should be tender yet chewy. (If they aren't done, just return them to the heat for a little while.)
    When done, drain excess liquid.
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Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

  • In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to thoroughly combine pineapple and cream cheese. It does not need to be perfectly creamy; however, any remaining chunks of cream cheese in the mixture should be about the consistency of cottage cheese.
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  • Sprinkle dry vanilla pudding mix over pineapple-cream cheese mixture and stir until smooth. (It will be the consistency of thick school paste.)
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  • Fold in whipped topping.
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  • Stir in cooked wheat berries, mixing until until evenly coated.
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  • Fold in any optional mix-ins.
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  • Serve cold.

Notes

Cooking Wheat Berries: The cooking time for wheat berries in this recipe is based on cooking hard red winter wheat berries. The specific kind of wheat berry you buy, as well as how old it is, will influence the cooking time. 
Nutrition estimates do not include mix-ins. 
Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad will stay good in the refrigerator for over a week. It can also be frozen. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.1g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 6.4g | Saturated Fat: 5.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 8.7g | Calcium: 10mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

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Adding Mix-ins to Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad [OPTIONAL]

As if it weren’t already delicious enough, if you want to add some additional texture and flavor to your wheat berry salad, you can stir in a cup or so of any one (or more) of these tasty mix-ins.  

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

OPTIONAL: Use any one or a combination of the following mix-ins, or come up with your own idea! 

1 CUP TOTAL per batch of Wheat Berry Salad*

  • maraschino cherries (drained and sliced) 
  • grated coconut
  • chocolate chips
  • toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds
  • pepitos
  • mini marshmallows

*Obviously, you can add as much of any mix-in as you want. This amount is offered only as a guideline, based on personal preferences. 

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Interested in learning more about cooking with wheat berries? 

Hard Red Wheat on cutting board

 

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Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad   Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

Pineapple Wheat Berry Salad

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Potluck Recipes & Ideas from GHW

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Filed Under: Pescatarian, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes, Sweets, Vegetarian Tagged With: potluck, Sweet Somethings

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About Renée

Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

Comments

  1. blankStacey says

    January 28 at

    This looks yummy! My daughter loves pineapple. I’ll have to try making it for her sometime.

    Reply
  2. blankMichelle says

    January 28 at

    What an interesting and unique salad. Great for potlucks!

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      January 28 at

      It is always surprisingly popular whenever I take it to a gathering.

      Reply
  3. blankestelle says

    January 28 at

    I’ve never tried wheat berries before! looks really yummy with the fluff..

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      January 28 at

      Wheat berries are one of my favorite things. They have great chewy texture, and add a nuttiness to everything. We love them with Buddha Bowls, too.

      Reply
  4. blankMirlene says

    January 28 at

    Very interesting. Anything with coconuts is a must try for me.

    Reply
  5. blankAmber says

    January 28 at

    I have never cooked with wheat berries before but yum, this is so delicious! Lovely recipe.

    Reply
  6. blankBeth says

    January 28 at

    Hahaha! The Y2K thing was so funny! I haven’t had wheat berries, I’ll have to see if I can find some! This looks yummy!

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      January 28 at

      It’s very tasty!

      Reply
  7. blankSara Welch says

    January 28 at

    Love how light and fluffy this is! This will pair perfectly with my Super Bowl menu!

    Reply
  8. blankKileen says

    January 28 at

    I don’t think I’ve ever tried this salad! Sounds yummy, definitely need to make this and try it out!
    Sounds interesting!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Reply
  9. blankShayla says

    January 29 at

    I’ve never heard of an Apocalypse Salad but judging by the ingredients it sounds like something we would love!

    Reply

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