Golden Freekeh Citrus Salad (Printable Version)
Nutty freekeh with fresh citrus, herbs, and a bright dressing creates a vibrant, wholesome salad.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup golden freekeh, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Citrus
04 - 1 large orange, peeled and segmented
05 - 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
06 - 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
→ Vegetables & Herbs
07 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
08 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
→ Dressing
12 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
14 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
15 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp toasted pistachios or almonds, roughly chopped
18 - Microgreens
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine the golden freekeh, water, and 1/2 tsp salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the cooled freekeh, citrus segments, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, honey (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and microgreens, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The nutty freekeh combined with juicy citrus creates this incredible texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting
- It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining
- The dressing hits all the right notes with tangy lemon, earthy cumin, and just enough sweetness
02 -
- Freekeh can vary in texture between brands, so start checking at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking it into mush
- The salad really needs that 15-minute resting period after dressing—the grains drink in the flavors and transform
- Citrus segments release liquid as they sit, so add the dressing just 30 minutes before serving if you're making it ahead
03 -
- To segment citrus like a pro, cut off the top and bottom, then slice along the membranes to release perfect segments
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant—they transform from ordinary to extraordinary