Description
This Herbed Freekeh Salad is a fresh, nutritious dish featuring nutty freekeh, vibrant herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Packed with fiber and protein, it’s a wholesome side or a light main dish. Perfect for meal prep or a healthy lunch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup freekeh (cracked or whole grain)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking freekeh)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional), crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Freekeh:
Rinse the freekeh under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the freekeh, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool. - Prepare the Vegetables:
While the freekeh is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and cilantro. Place them in a large mixing bowl. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified. - Assemble the Salad:
Once the freekeh has cooled to room temperature, fluff it with a fork and add it to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. - Add Feta (Optional):
If using, crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it on top of the salad. Toss again to combine. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- This salad can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
- If you want extra protein, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or beans.
- You can add more herbs or mix up the veggies depending on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired, Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg