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Herbed Freekeh Salad with Avocado, Pistachios, and Citrus Vinaigrette

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This vibrant and nutritious salad combines the nutty flavor of freekeh with creamy avocado, sweet dried apricots, fresh herbs, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette. Topped with crunchy pistachios and crumbled cashew or goat cheese, it’s a perfect dish for a refreshing vegan meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Citrus Vinaigrette:

  • 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, divided (or to taste)

Salad Base:

  • 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 (e.g., basil, mint), torn
  • 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and cubed

Toppings:

  • 1/3 cup salted roasted pistachios
  • 3 ounces soft cashew cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (e.g., Treeline Dairy-Free Goat Cheese)

Instructions

  • Make the Citrus Vinaigrette:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of orange zest, all of the orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, olive oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
  • Combine Salad Ingredients:
    • Stir the cooked and chilled freekeh into the bowl with the vinaigrette.
    • Add dried fruit, scallions, arugula, and torn herbs. Mix until evenly combined.
  • Gently fold in the avocado:
    • Add the cubed avocado, the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix gently to combine.
  • Add Toppings:
    • Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with roasted pistachios, crumbled cashew or goat cheese, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
  • Serve:
    • Enjoy this fresh and hearty salad immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute the freekeh with other whole grains such as farro, quinoa, or barley, depending on your preference.
  • If you’re not vegan, feel free to use goat cheese or another cheese of your choice instead of the dairy-free cashew cheese.
  • The salad can be made ahead by prepping the components, but it’s best to add the avocado and toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/herbed-freekeh-salad-with-avocado-pistachios-and-citrus-vinaigrette/