Hey y'all! Craving something vibrant, wholesome, and a little outside the ordinary? This Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans is bursting with zesty citrus, refreshing mint, and nutty freekeh, all brought together with buttery lima beans. It's perfect for everything from meal prep to dinner parties, and it totally elevates your Salad game. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- Refreshing and light with layers of citrus and herbaceous mint flavor.
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber for a satisfying meal.
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 40 minutes!
- Perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or as a colorful side dish.
- Easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins or greens.
Ingredients for Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- 1 cup freekeh, uncooked
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can lima beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large orange (zest and segments separated)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from the segmented orange)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios (optional)
Directions: How to Make Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
Step 1: Cook the Freekeh
- Rinse freekeh under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the freekeh and 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but slightly chewy. Drain any excess liquid.
- Fluff the freekeh with a fork and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Citrus & Dressing
- Segment the orange, collecting the juice in a bowl as you work. Set aside half the segments for garnish.
- Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled freekeh, lima beans, chopped mint, red onion, cucumber, and most orange segments.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Top with reserved orange segments and toasted pistachios before serving.
Notes for Perfect Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- For a fluffier grain texture, let freekeh cool spread out on a baking sheet. Learn more about proper cooking techniques for freekeh.
- Canned lima beans are a huge time saver, but you can use cooked frozen beans if you prefer.
- Fresh herbs are key—use only bright, unblemished mint for best flavor.
Variations on Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- Greek-Inspired: Add crumbled feta cheese and cherry tomatoes for a salty, tangy twist.
- Power Greens: Toss in a handful of baby arugula or spinach right before serving for extra nutrients.
- Citrus Swap: Substitute blood orange or grapefruit for a unique flavor profile.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Zester or microplane
Storage Instructions for Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and freshen with extra mint or a squeeze of citrus, if needed.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Enjoy alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
- Bring it to a picnic or potluck; it's sturdy and stays delicious even when made ahead.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips for the Best Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the freekeh for richer flavor (learn why veggie broth is so healthy).
- Segment the orange over a bowl to collect every drop of juice for the salad dressing.
- Toss the salad gently to keep citrus segments intact and presentation beautiful.
Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans FAQ
Can I use a different grain instead of freekeh?
Absolutely! Try bulgur, farro, or even quinoa if you want a gluten-free option.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes—just store it in the fridge and add more fresh mint right before serving for best flavor.
Can I make Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans in advance?
Definitely! It actually tastes better after a few hours when the flavors have melded; just hold off on the mint until serving if possible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freekeh, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups cooked lima beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and segmented
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Cook the freekeh according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
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2In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked freekeh, lima beans, orange segments, chopped mint, and red onion.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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4Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
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5Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with extra mint if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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