Turkey Free Vegan Fresh Freekeh Cucumber Salad
This grain salad is bright, herby, and genuinely refreshing — the kind of bowl that looks impressive at a summer table but comes together with minimal fuss. Freekeh, a roasted green wheat with a pleasantly smoky, nutty flavor, forms the hearty base and holds up beautifully against crisp cucumber and juicy cherry tomatoes. The dressing is a simple hit of lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and cumin that ties every element together with a citrusy, warmly spiced finish. Fresh flat-leaf parsley and mint keep things lively, while scallion greens add a gentle bite without overpowering the other flavors. Every single ingredient here is plant-based and naturally free from poultry of any kind, so there's no label-reading required — just straightforward, whole-food cooking. A scatter of pomegranate seeds at the end is optional, but the little bursts of tartness and color make it feel almost celebratory. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled, and don't be surprised when people ask for the recipe.
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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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