Freekeh Pomegranate Salad

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Freekeh, Halloumi and Pomegranate Salad is a gorgeous, colorful salad bursting with flavor and texture. Made with wholesome freekeh, sweet dried cranberries, juicy pomegranate seeds, salty halloumi cheese, fresh mint leaves, crisp iceberg lettuce, and toasted slivered almonds, every bite offers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tossed with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing, this vibrant freekeh pomegranate salad makes a beautiful addition to any meal.

What Is Freekeh?

So, you may be wondering, what exactly is freekeh? Freekeh is an ancient Middle Eastern grain made from green wheat harvested while it is still young and tender. It has a distinctive nutty flavor and a wonderfully smoky aroma.

To make freekeh, the young green wheat is harvested, sun-dried, and roasted. Once cooled, it is rubbed to remove the chaff and separate the grains. Interestingly, the name freekeh comes from the Arabic word Al Farak, meaning “to rub,” referring to this traditional process.

Beyond its delicious flavor, freekeh is also a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in fiber and provides protein and essential minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Is freekeh salad healthy?

Yes! Freekeh salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish. Freekeh is rich in fiber and provides plant-based protein, while pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and almonds add extra nutrients, flavor, and texture. Halloumi also contributes protein, making this salad a filling and delicious meal.

Can I make freekeh salad gluten-free?

Freekeh is made from green wheat and contains gluten, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, you can easily substitute quinoa for freekeh to make this salad gluten-free. Quinoa has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

What does freekeh taste like?

Freekeh has a distinctive nutty flavor with a pleasant smoky aroma. Its slightly chewy texture makes it a wonderful addition to salads, especially when paired with sweet, tangy, and crunchy ingredients.

Can I make freekeh pomegranate salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the freekeh ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to assemble the salad. For the freshest texture, add the toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, and dressing shortly before serving.

More Festive Salad Recipes to Brighten Your Table

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Freekeh, Halloumi and Pomegranate Salad

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Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Soaking Time 10 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Course
Salad
Cuisine
Lebanese

Description

This Freekeh Pomegranate Salad with Halloumi is a colorful, satisfying salad packed with wholesome freekeh, juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet dried cranberries, salty halloumi, fresh mint, and crunchy toasted almonds. Tossed with a refreshing lemon and olive oil dressing, it brings together a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect as a light meal or a beautiful side dish!

Ingredients
 

The Base, Veggies & Herbs

  • 1 cup freekeh rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
  • 250 g / 9 oz halloumi cheese diced
  • 1 whole pomegranate seeded
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 3 cups iceberg lettuce chopped
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds toasted

The Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions
 

Prep and Cook the Freekeh

  • Soak the freekeh in water for 10 minutes. Drain in a sieve, rinse thoroughly under running water, and drain again.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the 1 ½ cups of water to a boil.
  • Add the soaked freekeh and salt. Reduce the heat to very low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the freekeh to cool down completely.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cranberries, diced halloumi, pomegranate seeds, chopped iceberg lettuce, and mint leaves.
  • Add the cooled freekeh, olive oil, and lemon juice directly to the bowl.
  • Mix well and taste to adjust the salt if needed.

Serve

  • Transfer the salad to a serving plate.
  • Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top. Enjoy!
Keyword freekeh pomegranate salad, freekeh salad
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Hadia Zebib is a cook, baker and author. She acquired a reputation for being a good cook after entertaining dinner guests for more than 30 years, and her husband encouraged her, telling her that she should write a cookbook. She started her food blog, Hadia’s Lebanese Cuisine. Over time, millions of people have visited her site in search of Lebanese and Middle Eastern recipes.

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