Zesty Herbed Freekeh Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist with Avocado

Every summer gathering calls for a standout herbed freekeh salad that surprises and delights guests with unexpected flavors.

This vibrant dish brings together earthy grains and fresh ingredients in a delectable medley.

freekeh provides a nutty, smoky base that perfectly complements crisp vegetables and crunchy pistachios.

Creamy avocado chunks add richness while bright citrus vinaigrette cuts through with zesty notes.

Each forkful delivers a complex layer of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The combination of herbs and toasted nuts creates a Mediterranean-inspired experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

You’ll want to make this salad the star of your next outdoor meal or potluck.

Herbed Freekeh Salad Bursting With Fresh Flavor

• Conquer Quick Comfort: Grab store-bought crescent dough and transform it into delectable cinnamon twists without complex baking skills, perfect for novice bakers seeking a delightful treat.
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• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using parchment paper and simple ingredients means less kitchen mess and stress, allowing you to enjoy the baking process and delicious results without dreading post-cooking cleanup.

Freekeh Salad Ingredient List With Avocado

• Freekeh: A nutty, ancient grain with a smoky flavor that forms the hearty foundation of this salad.
• Avocado: A creamy, rich fruit that adds smoothness and healthy fats to the dish.

• Orange Zest: Provides bright, aromatic citrus notes to enhance the salad's flavor profile.
• Orange Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy liquid base for the vinaigrette.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a sharp, acidic brightness to balance the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, rich dressing that helps bind the salad together.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Scallions, Arugula, Herbs: Fresh greens and herbs that add layers of green freshness and peppery undertones.
• Dried Fruit: Introduces a sweet and chewy texture to contrast with the grains.
• Pistachios: Roasted nuts that provide a crunchy, nutty element to the salad.
• Cashew or Goat Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy finish and additional protein to the dish.

Steps for Assembling Herbed Freekeh Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Citrus Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together orange zest, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The combination will burst with bright, tangy flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Toss Freekeh with Vinaigrette

Pour the chilled, cooked freekeh into the citrusy dressing. Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain gets coated with the delicious liquid gold.

The freekeh will soak up the flavors, creating a delightful base for your salad.

Step 3: Layer in Fresh Greens and Herbs

• Dried fruit
• Scallions
• Arugula
• Torn fresh herbs

Gently mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a colorful and textured masterpiece.

Step 4: Fold in Creamy Avocado

Carefully add cubed avocado to the salad. Drizzle with additional lemon juice and a touch of salt.

Fold gently to prevent crushing the delicate avocado pieces, maintaining their smooth, buttery texture.

Step 5: Finish with Crunchy Toppings

• Roasted pistachios
• Crumbled cashew or goat cheese
• Remaining orange zest

These toppings will add a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor to your dish.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate your herbed freekeh salad immediately. Enjoy the vibrant mix of textures, flavors, and fresh ingredients that make this salad a true culinary delight.

Notes for Bright Citrus Freekeh Salad Bowls

• Cool cooked freekeh completely before mixing to prevent mushy texture and maintain grain integrity.
• Use light hand when folding avocado to prevent bruising and keep cubes intact for better presentation.
• Adjust lemon and orange juice quantities to create perfect tangy vinaigrette that complements the grains.
• Choose vibrant, crisp herbs like parsley or mint to enhance the salad's overall freshness and aromatic profile.
• Lightly roast pistachios to bring out their rich, nutty flavor without burning, adding delightful crunch to the salad.

Swaps to Try in Freekeh Avocado Salad

• Quinoa Power Bowl: Replace freekeh with protein-packed quinoa, keeping the citrus vinaigrette and herb mix for a gluten-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Grain Swap: Use bulgur wheat instead of freekeh, maintaining the original vinaigrette and adding cucumber for extra freshness.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Substitute avocado with roasted tofu cubes and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Moroccan Spin: Add harissa paste to the vinaigrette, swap pistachios with almonds, and include roasted chickpeas for a North African-inspired adaptation.

Sips and Sides With Herbed Freekeh Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the herbal and citrusy notes of the freekeh salad, enhancing its bright, refreshing flavors with their zesty and light characteristics.
• Serve Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add a slice of orange or lemon to sparkling water to mirror the vinaigrette's citrus profile, creating a hydrating and palate-cleansing beverage that matches the salad's vibrant taste.
• Match Fresh Mediterranean Mezze: Serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki to create a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired spread that highlights the salad's herbal and nutty elements with complementary textures and flavors.

Best Way to Store Freekeh Salad Fresh

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pistachios and cheese separate to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice over the avocado to slow down oxidation and keep it fresh-looking when storing.
• Warm the salad briefly in the microwave on low power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of fresh citrus juice to revive the vinaigrette's brightness.
• Before serving leftovers, sprinkle fresh herbs and toasted pistachios to restore the salad's original texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is freekeh and how is it different from other grains?

Freekeh is a Middle Eastern grain made from roasted green wheat. It has a smoky, nutty flavor and more protein and fiber compared to other grains like quinoa or rice.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this herbed freekeh salad is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be made vegan by omitting cheese or using plant-based cheese alternatives.

• Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the freekeh and vinaigrette in advance, but add avocado and herbs just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness. Store components separately in the refrigerator.

Herbed Freekeh Salad With Avocado, Pistachios, And Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Herbed freekeh salad dazzles Mediterranean palates with its zesty citrus vinaigrette and nutty grain blend. Crunchy pistachios and creamy avocado dance together, delivering a refreshing meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup freekeh
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup pistachios

Citrus and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons fresh navel orange zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed navel orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty citrus vinaigrette by whisking orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Incorporate the pre-cooked and thoroughly chilled freekeh into the vinaigrette, ensuring complete coating of the grains.
3. Introduce dried fruit, finely chopped scallions, peppery arugula, and delicately torn fresh herbs into the grain mixture, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Delicately fold cubed avocado into the salad, drizzling additional lemon juice and sprinkling salt, using gentle motions to prevent avocado from breaking.
5. Moments before presentation, enhance the salad’s texture and flavor by generously scattering roasted pistachios, crumbled cashew or goat cheese, and a final flourish of orange zest across the surface.
6. Serve immediately to preserve the vibrant freshness and optimal textural contrast of the herbed freekeh salad.

Notes

• Chill freekeh thoroughly before mixing to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture.
• Massage herbs gently to release essential oils and enhance their aromatic profile without bruising.
• Select ripe but firm avocados to prevent turning the salad into a mushy mess during mixing.
• use nutritional yeast for vegan version or skip cheese entirely for lighter meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 588 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg