Honey Free Vegan Fresh Freekeh Cucumber Salad
Freekeh — smoky, nutty, and satisfying in a way that most grains simply aren't — is the backbone of this bright, herb-forward salad that feels equally at home as a weekday lunch or a showstopper side at a dinner party. The dressing is built entirely from olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cumin, so there's no sweetener of any kind hiding in the mix — just clean, bold flavor that lets the vegetables shine. Crisp English cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and mint bring a garden-fresh lift that balances the earthy depth of the grain beautifully. Cooling the freekeh before tossing everything together is the small but important step that keeps the herbs vibrant and the vegetables from wilting into the dressing. A handful of pomegranate seeds scattered over the top adds a jewel-like pop of color and a little tartness that takes the whole bowl to another level. It's the kind of salad that tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes, making it a smart make-ahead option when you need something that holds up well.
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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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