Are you ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary gastronomic experience? This Spanish Style Freekeh Salad is not just a recipe—it's a vibrant journey through Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coasts of Spain! Packed with nutritious freekeh, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this dish is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or an adventurous home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup freekeh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the freekeh under cold running water to remove any impurities. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed freekeh and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the freekeh is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the black olives. Chop the parsley finely and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked freekeh, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the freekeh salad and toss again until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be served at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Freekeh Perfection: Rinse the freekeh thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a clean, nutty flavor. Toast it lightly in a dry pan before boiling for an enhanced taste.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and a beautiful presentation. Fresh, high-quality produce makes a huge difference.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the olive oil and red wine vinegar vigorously to create an emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Flavor Boost: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. This "resting time" is crucial for developing depth.
- Customization: Feel free to add feta cheese, grilled chicken, or swap herbs to make this recipe your own signature dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
