Zesty Freekeh Salad with Beans
This zesty and crunchy salad is the best introduction to freekeh: a whole grain that is chewy, nutty and smokey, perfect for meal prep! The freekeh soaks up the honey mustard dressing and becomes quite addictive.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 40 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 cup freekeh (325 g)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water (530 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups Arugula (packed)
- 540 ml canned mixed beans or chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 4 Persian cucumbers (finely chopped)
- 1/4 sweet white onion (sliced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (trimmed and chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano (optional)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pumpkin seeds (chopped (optional))
- 1/2 cup raisins ((optional))
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (45 ml)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (approx. juice of 2 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more per preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more per preference)
Instructions
- 1
Spread the freekeh grains on a large surface and pick through the grains with your fingers to remove any small stones or impurities.
- 2
Wash the grains with water and drain. Add them to a medium sauce pan along with the water or chicken broth and the salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the grains are soft and chewy.
- 3
Allow the freekeh to cool down for 10 minutes then proceed with the salad.
- 4
Wash and drain the mixed beans or chickpeas (either can be used). Finely chop the cucumbers and green onions, and slice the sweet white onions.
- 5
Finely chop the parsley, mint and oregano (if using).
- 6
In a large bowl, combine the freekeh, arugula, cucumbers, green onions, white onions, beans and all the herbs.
- 7
For the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a small jar and shake the ingredients to combine.
- 8
Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to mix and enjoy!