Where I live in the American south, people are obsessed with smoke: they brag about their smokiest barbeque ribs or brisket—even smoky mezcal cocktails. But where I grew up in Egypt we also have a thing for a little smoke. You may be familiar with smoked dips like Baba Ganoush or Muhammara, but we even love our grains to have that assertive depth of flavor. No shy ingredients here! Freekeh, with its nutty, smoky, incredibly rich, and deliciously bold flavor, takes center stage with this freekeh salad recipe, where I keep the seasonings light so its nuances can shine. Pomegranate molasses adds a slight hint of sweetness offset by the acidity from the lemon juice and the savory flavors of the freekeh, it’s a perfect balance! Serve this recipe as a satisfying vegan main with crispy Falafel or Grilled Veggies. Or add grilled chicken for a healthy, protein-packed lunch recipe.
Freekeh Salad Ingredients and Substitutions
I took a similar approach to my French Lentil Salad for this freekeh grain salad. I wanted a Tabouli Salad vibe with fresh ingredients but with a tart-sweet dressing to tie everything together. You’ll need:
Freekeh acts almost like the “greens” for a typical Western salad–the flavor-rich bridge that ties the fresh ingredients together. Farro is a worthy substitute, though you’ll want to add a bit more seasoning since it has a milder taste. Kosher salt enhances the flavor, but freekeh is so intensely flavorful you don’t need much. Green onions are mild enough to enjoy raw, but add that classic sweet-and-savory onion flavor. Yellow or white onions would be too overpowering (unless you’re a true onion fanatic), but you can substitute with shallot, chives, or red onions. Carrots add crunch and a nice burst of color. Persian cucumber adds a refreshing quality, lifting the savory and smoky freekeh. If you can’t find Persian, English are similarly sweet and tender. If using standard slicing cucumbers, peel off their waxy skin. Parsley and mint lift the richness with their fresh and light flavor. You can substitute with other tender herbs, like basil, dill, or cilantro. Fresh lemon juice and pomegranate molasses give the dressing a sweet, tart, and syrupy punch. You can make the pomegranate molasses from scratch, or order our favorite from the shop. Extra virgin olive oil enriches the dressing. Use a high-quality extra virgin variety–I love our smooth, buttery Italian Nocellara with this recipe.
Ingredient Spotlight: Freekeh
Freekeh, pronounced “free-kah,” is a popular grain where I grew up in Egypt but still hasn’t quite been “discovered” here in the U.S. Green durum wheat is harvested while it’s young and still soft, then roasted and threshed to remove the husks. This process gives freekeh its distinct smoky flavor and tender yet chewy texture.Freekeh is also known for its high nutritional content, boasting high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
READ MORE: How To Cook Freekeh TRY IT: Get my favorite freekeh delivered to your door. BEST SUBSTITUTE: Farro (but it will be chewier and not smoky).
How to Make Freekeh Salad
Freekeh may sound like a fancy ingredient but it’s as easy to cook as rice. You’ll need an hour or so to put everything together, but since freekeh is so springy it keeps a pleasant texture for a few days, so it’s a great option for meal prep. Here are the steps:
Prep the freekeh. Look through and pick over 1 cup of freekeh to remove any debris or unwanted small stones. Rinse well a few times through a colander. Cook the freekeh. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed freekeh with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, and season very lightly with salt (freekeh is quite savory on its own). Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer over low heat until the grains are tender and slightly chewy, anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. (Our freekeh, which I use here, will take around 35 minutes because it is wholegrain freekeh). Drain any remaining water and fluff the freekeh with a fork. Let cool briefly. Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice from one lemon and 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses. Drizzle in about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil while whisking until fully emulsified. (I don’t add salt here because it’s best to add it to the freekeh salad later and only if needed.) Prep the veggies and herbs, adding them to a medium bowl as you go. Peel and chop 2 medium carrots. Trim and chop 3 to 4 green onions. Chop 3 Persian cucumbers (peel them first if using standard slicing cucumbers with waxy skin). Chop enough parsley leaves to get 1 packed cup, and enough mint leaves to get 1/2 packed cup. Assemble the salad. Add the cooled freekeh to the bowl with the veggies and toss to combine. Pour the dressing on top and toss well. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking. You can serve this salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
What to Serve with Freekeh Salad
You can serve this grain salad for a satisfying vegan meal, perhaps with Grilled Vegetable Kabobs or Falafel—great for a vegan picnic! Or serve as a side to fish or meat–since it’s so full-flavor go for something light like Baked Cod or Lemon Garlic Chicken. Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
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Visit Our Shop. Nutty, smoky, and rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
