Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup freekeh – A hearty, nutritious whole grain that provides texture and a nutty flavor.
- 1 ½ cups lima beans – Fresh or frozen, they provide creaminess and a lovely contrast to the freekeh.
- 2 large oranges – For that refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped – Mint adds an unexpected pop of freshness that really elevates this salad.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a smooth and healthy fat to bring it all together.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the oranges.
- 1 tablespoon honey – To sweeten the dressing just a touch, complementing the citrus.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts for an extra crunch.
Instructions
- Cook the Freekeh:
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the freekeh and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender but still chewy. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
- Tip: If you want a more pronounced nutty flavor, toast the freekeh in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the Lima Beans:
- If using dried lima beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions. If you’re using frozen lima beans, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the beans, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Oranges:
- Peel the oranges and cut them into segments. Be sure to remove any seeds, and set the orange slices aside.
- Pro Tip: For a neat presentation, you can cut the orange segments into smaller pieces, or leave them as wedges for a more rustic feel.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Extra Tip: If you want a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the freekeh, lima beans, and orange slices. Gently toss everything together.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
- Add in the fresh mint and toss once more, ensuring the mint is evenly distributed.
- Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts on top for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g