Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad

Elevate your Tex-Mex game with our hearty and wholesome Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad—a modern twist on the classic taco salad, now featuring nutritious whole freekeh as the star grain. This vibrant salad is not only a delicious blend of flavors but also a canvas for your culinary creativity. Customize it with your favorite ingredients like sliced black olives or roasted corn cut from the cob to make it truly yours. Embrace the Tex-Mex spirit and enjoy the delightful fusion of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

YIELD: This Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad recipe yields approximately 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups (approximately 336 g) prepared whole freekeh, quinoa, or barley, cooled
• 2 cups (344 g) cooked black beans
• 1 1/2 cups (135 g) chopped cabbage
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup (28 g) chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup (40 g) minced scallion
• 1 tablespoon (9 g) minced poblano, or to taste
• 1/2 cup (75 g) favorite red salsa (we like medium or hot)
• 1 roasted red bell pepper (jarred), rinsed
• 1 chipotle in adobo, optional, more to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar, optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the prepared whole freekeh (or your preferred grain), cooked black beans, chopped cabbage, romaine lettuce, chopped red bell pepper, chopped carrots, minced scallion, and minced poblano.
2. In a small blender, combine the red salsa, roasted red bell pepper, and chipotle (if using). Process the ingredients until smooth. Taste the dressing and add red wine vinegar if more tang is desired, depending on the salsa’s flavor. Process again to incorporate.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the dressing coats the salad evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
4. Finally, gently stir in the chopped avocado to add creaminess and richness to the Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad.

This recipe is perfect for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Embrace the Tex-Mex spirit and get creative with your toppings to make this salad a delightful and nourishing feast.

So, celebrate the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with this mouthwatering salad that brings together the goodness of whole freekeh, nutritious black beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Let your imagination guide you as you customize this salad with your favorite toppings. As you savor each delightful bite, bask in the vibrant and zesty Tex-Mex essence that this salad embodies. Enjoy the Tex-Mex Freekeh Salad, a delicious fusion of flavors and a true celebration of wholesome goodness!