Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons fresh navel orange zest, divided
- 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed navel orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste, divided
- 4 cups cooked freekeh, farro, or other whole grain of choice, chilled*
- 2 ounces (1/3 cup) dried organic apricots or figs, finely diced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2.5 ounces (2 1/2 cups packed) fresh baby arugula
- 0.5 ounces (1/2 cup packed) fresh herbs, such as basil and mint leaves, torn
- 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled and cubed
- 1/3 cup salted roasted pistachios
- 3 ounces soft cashew cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (Tip: I used Treeline Dairy-Free Goat Cheese)
Instructions
- WHISK VINAIGRETTE: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of orange zest, all of the orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, all of the olive oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- STIR IN FREEKEH & PRODUCE: Stir in the chilled freekeh. Stir in the dried fruit, scallions, arugula, and herbs. Fold in the avocado and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- ADD TOPPERS: When ready to serve, sprinkle with the pistachios, cashew cheese, and remaining 1 teaspoon orange zest.
Notes
*Hint: I make this recipe with 1 (8.8-ounce) package dry 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Freekeh. It’s a quicker-cooking variety. Simply bring a large saucepan of salted water and the dry freekeh to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 13 minutes. Then remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to complete the cooking process. Drain well, transfer to a glass dish, and let stand for 15-20 minutes to cool at room temperature. Finally, fluff the freekeh with a fork, cover, and chill until recipe time. I usually make this a day in advance for recipe use. (Makes 4 cups/19 ounces cooked freekeh.)
- Category: salad, side dish
- Cuisine: mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g includes 0g added sugars
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: salad, freekeh, whole grain, grain salad, grain bowl, salad bowl, vegan bowl, vegan salad, freekeh salad, avocado, cashew cheese, vegetarian salad