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Wheat-Berry Salad with Grilled Tofu

This vibrant wheat berry salad with grilled tofu is a powerhouse of textures and fresh Mediterranean flavours. The base of chewy, whole-grain wheat berries provides a satisfying alternative to couscous or pasta, while the homemade tomato vinaigrette doubles as both a tangy dressing and a savoury marinade for the tofu. Smoked over the grill, the peppers and cherry tomatoes develop a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the salty olives and fresh mint.

As a protein-rich vegan dish, this recipe is ideal for outdoor summer dining or as a meal-prep option for a healthy weekday lunch. The combination of fibre-filled grains and heart-healthy fats from the extra-virgin olive oil makes it a nutritious, balanced meal. Serve it on a large platter for a stunning centrepiece that will impress vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Wheat-Berry Salad with Grilled Tofu

  • 230g tomatoes, chopped

  • 60ml red-wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 (400g) block extra-firm tofu, cut crosswise into 4 thick slices

  • 240ml reserved tomato vinaigrette

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 240ml wheat berries (whole-grain wheat)

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 230g cherry tomatoes (about 14)

  • 4 yellow peppers (675g)

  • 3 celery ribs, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

  • 3 spring onions, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

  • 120ml pitted brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata, halved

  • 1 head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (6 cups)

  • 1 cup torn fresh mint leaves

  • 2 (12-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

How to make Wheat-Berry Salad with Grilled Tofu

Purée all vinaigrette ingredients in a blender. Reserve 240ml vinaigrette for marinating tofu.

Combine reserved vinaigrette and soy sauce in a sealable plastic bag. Add tofu, seal bag, and turn to coat. Marinate, chilled, turning bag over occasionally, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before grilling.

Simmer wheat berries in unsalted water in a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, partially covered, until tender but still chewy, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Drain, then return to pan and stir in salt. Cool to room temperature.

Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over hot charcoal.

Pour off marinade from tofu and pat dry, then transfer to a plate.

Thread tomatoes 1/4 inch apart onto skewers.

Oil grill rack and grill peppers, covered only if using a gas grill, turning occasionally with tongs, until skins are blackened, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, then cover and let steam 10 minutes.

Grill tomatoes, covered only if using a gas grill, turning over once, until blistered and softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Oil grill rack well, then grill tofu, covered only if using a gas grill, until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes. Loosen tofu with a metal spatula, then turn over and grill until heated through and grill marks appear, about 3 minutes more. Transfer to a clean plate and cover.

Assemble salad: Stir together tomatoes, celery, spring onions, olives, wheat berries, and 120ml vinaigrette. Let stand, uncovered, 15 minutes.

Peel and seed peppers, then cut into 1-inch-wide strips. Stir into wheat-berry mixture.

Halve pieces of tofu diagonally (for a total of 8 triangles).

Toss lettuce and mint on a platter, then top with wheat-berry mixture and tofu. Drizzle with some vinaigrette; serve remainder on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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