Chestnut Free Vegan Fresh Freekeh Cucumber Salad
Bright, herby, and packed with texture, this grain salad is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation. Whole-grain freekeh — a smoky, nutty roasted wheat — gets cooked until tender, then cooled and tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and mint for a bowl that feels genuinely refreshing. The dressing is a simple shake of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cumin, and it ties everything together with a citrusy, lightly spiced brightness that keeps you going back for another forkful. Because every ingredient here is a whole, recognizable plant food, there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden allergens sneaking in through processed components. A scatter of pomegranate seeds over the top adds a jewel-like pop of color and a little burst of sweetness that makes the whole thing look as good as it tastes. It works beautifully as a make-ahead lunch, a potluck contribution, or a light dinner on its own — and it only gets better as it sits and the flavors meld together.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the freekeh
- 1 cup whole-grain freekeh, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 english cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed freekeh, water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the freekeh is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 20–22 minutes.
- 2
Remove the pan from the heat and let the freekeh steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Spread it onto a large mixing bowl or sheet pan and let it cool for at least 10 minutes, until no longer steaming.
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