Freekeh Spinach Salad {with lemon honey vinaigrette}

This Freekeh Spinach Salad is full of protein, fiber and tasty flavors and makes a great side dish or main meal.

I love that ancient grains (mainly whole grains) are making a comeback.  

I know, it feels like the next bandwagon to jump on. But I am THRILLED when the latest trends reflect healthy eating. It encourages people to try new and interesting food!

And by “people” I am including myself since I don’t think I’ve ever cooked this many salads in this short of a span of time ever.  

I believe the main reason that I’m branching out with new foods is that I get bored QUICKLY. I’ve recently enjoyed creating recipes with newer-to-me foods like kale, quinoa and freekeh.

Does anyone else get bored cooking the same regular meals every week?

Also, trying out new foods allows me to expose my kids to new foods. This is thrilling as a mom and dietitian.

Tidbits on Freekeh

Freekeh means “to rub” in Arabic. It’s believed to have been discovered by accident about 2,000 years ago when young green wheat was set ablaze in a Middle Eastern village.  

After the green wheat was burned the villagers rubbed away the charred outer coating. And this led to the discovery of a delicious edible grain with smoky and nutty flavors. 

Nutrition in This Freekeh Spinach Salad

• Freekeh is high in protein, fiber and iron.
• You can serve it as a side dish in place of rice or pasta or added to salad like my recipe below.
• You can top Freekeh with milk, honey and fruit and eaten for breakfast.
• And did I mention it’s a WHOLE GRAIN!

Looking for more salads using ancient grains?  Check out these delicious recipes:

Kale and Feta Salad {with Homemade Honey Vinegar Dressing}

Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Almonds

Strawberry Quinoa Spinach Salad

Freekeh Spinach Salad {with lemon honey vinaigrette dressing}

A nutritious high protein and high fiber salad!

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Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup freekeh uncooked
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 red pepper chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Salad Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a medium sauce pan, add freekeh and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes (or until desired texture is reached).
• Set freekeh aside and let cool.
• Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
• Add cooled freekeh to salad.
• Whisk salad dressing ingredients together until well combined.
• Add dressing to salad immediately prior to serving.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This Freekeh Spinach Salad first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.

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