Loading...The foundation for this recipe starts with whole grain freekeh, an ancient grain, and builds from there with lentils, chickpeas, radishes, California Avocados, fresh mint, green onion, and a simply delicious dressing of lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. If we had to choose a few words to describe this salad, it would be luscious, hearty, and crunchy.
Freekeh Lentil Salad with Chickpeas and California Avocado
Total Time:
20min
Prep Time:
20min
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
270
Calories
13
g
Total Fat
35
g
Total Carbs
9
g
Protein
160
mg
Sodium
Ingredients
Serves:
8
| 4 | Tbsp. | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 3 | Tbsp. | lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon) |
| 2 | Tbsp. | honey |
| 1 | Tbsp. | lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon) |
| 1 | Tbsp. | Dijon mustard |
| 1/2 | tsp. | kosher salt |
| 1/8 | tsp. | black pepper |
| 3 | cups | cooked cracked freekeh* |
| 1 1/2 | cups | cooked lentils |
| 1 | cup | canned, reduced-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed |
| 2 | ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled, and cut into ¾-inch pieces** | |
| 4 | medium-size radishes, thinly sliced and halved | |
| 3 | green onions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced | |
| 1/4 | cup | packed fresh mint leaves, torn into pieces, plus extra whole leaves for garnish |
As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados
Instructions
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, zest, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk until well combined, or add to a small Mason jar, cover with a lid, and shake vigorously until combined. Set aside.
- Place the freekeh, lentils, chickpeas, avocados, radish slices, green onions, and mint in a large serving bowl and stir gently to combine. Re-whisk or shake the dressing, drizzle on top, and toss the salad gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with extra mint leaves.
*Notes: We cooked the freekeh in water, but you can cook it in vegetable or chicken broth for additional flavor as desired.
Beverage Pairing: Club Soda or seltzer with lemon juice, a lemon slice, and torn mint leaves.
Serving Suggestion: Serve as a side dish or main meal for a summer picnic or cookout. To boost the protein even more, top with grilled tofu, chicken, turkey, or shrimp.
**Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
PER SERVING
Calories 270
Total Fat 13 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g
Total Carbs 35 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Total Sugar 6 g
Protein 9 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 160 mg
Potassium 470 mg
(Nutrition information is for about 1 1/3 cups)
Vitamin A 148 IU; Vitamin C 8 mg; Calcium 38 mg; Iron 3.6 mg; Vitamin D 0 IU; Folate 132 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.1 g
% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 4%; Iron 20%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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