Chicken and Freekeh Salad
A fresh and nutritious salad featuring roasted chicken, Freekeh, and a mix of vegetables, all tied together with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.




4.1 / 5 (618)
Ingredients
Grains
- Freekeh
1 cup
- quinoa
0.5 cup
Proteins
- boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 pound
Vegetables
- cucumber
1 medium
- red bell pepper
1 medium
- red onion
thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken. Ensure you have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready.
- 2
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, then roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Take the chicken breast and season it generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you prefer (such as thyme or rosemary). Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and put it in the oven. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let it rest before slicing.
- 3
Cook the Freekeh according to package instructions.
While the chicken is roasting, prepare the Freekeh. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct water ratio and cooking time. Generally, Freekeh is cooked in boiling water until it's tender, then drained. Set it aside to cool down.
- 4
Prepare the vegetables by chopping the cucumber, bell pepper, and thinly slicing the red onion.
Now, focus on the vegetables. Wash and chop the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. These will add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- 5
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, including the sliced chicken, cooked Freekeh, chopped vegetables, and a sprinkle of sumac if desired.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced roasted chicken, cooled Freekeh, chopped cucumber, bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. If you're using sumac for its distinctive flavor and color, sprinkle it over the top now.
- 6
Drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing made from lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and water, adjusted to taste.
To make the dressing, blend together lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, salt, and a bit of water until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust as necessary. Then, drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. This will bring all the flavors together.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
263
4
234
3
75
2
35
1
11
Reviews
- SofiBosnia
I appreciate a recipe that combines flavors and textures in a harmonious way. This Chicken and Freekeh Salad seems like a refreshing option, especially with its zesty lemon-tahini dressing. As someone who values traditional flavors, I was initially skeptical about Freekeh, but its nutty taste and satisfying crunch make it a great addition to the salad. The use of roasted chicken and mixed vegetables adds protein and freshness, making this dish a nutritious choice. Considering my lactose intolerance, the absence of dairy products in this recipe is a definite plus. Although I haven't tried it yet, the recipe's structure and ingredient list suggest a pleasant and filling meal. I look forward to giving it a try and adjusting the dressing to my taste.
- AstridTheViking88
A cracking good salad, this one! I was a bit skeptical about Freekeh at first, but it's a great addition to the mix. The combo of roasted chicken, crunchy veggies, and that zesty lemon-tahini dressing really hits the spot. I'd have given it 5 stars if it were pescatarian-friendly, but I'm happy to substitute the chicken with some grilled salmon or shrimp. One minor quibble: I'd swap out the traditional yogurt or sour cream for a lactose-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients and instructions are spot on, though. Well done, chef! **Prep time could be optimized** - while 20-30 minutes is reasonable, I found myself multitasking to get everything ready at the same time. Overall, a solid recipe that's easy to follow and yields a satisfying meal. Cheers!
- SofiDanish
I was really excited to try out this Chicken and Freekeh Salad recipe, and I'm glad I did. As a flexitarian who's always on the lookout for new and interesting vegetarian dishes, I loved the combination of flavors and textures in this salad. The Freekeh added a nice nutty flavor and the lemon-tahini dressing was a great touch - not too sweet, which is perfect for my taste. I appreciated the creativity that went into this recipe, and I enjoyed experimenting with the different ingredients. My only suggestion would be to add some more variety to the vegetables - while the cucumber, bell pepper, and onion worked well, I think some other veggies like carrots or zucchini would have added even more depth to the dish. Overall, a great recipe that's definitely worth trying out.
- NikhilK85
I appreciate the effort that has gone into creating this recipe, but I must say that it doesn't align with my values and dietary preferences. As a vegan, I was disappointed to see that the recipe features chicken and other animal products. I understand that this may be a popular dish for some, but I believe that we must be mindful of the impact of our food choices on the environment and animal welfare. In terms of flavor and presentation, I'm sure that the salad is quite tasty and visually appealing, but I wouldn't be able to enjoy it in its current form. Perhaps a vegan version of this recipe could be explored, using plant-based protein sources and creative substitutions? I would be happy to see a revised version that aligns with my values.
- SophieED92
Cette salade de poulet et de Freekeh est une véritable découverte ! L'association des textures et des saveurs est plutôt réussie. J'apprécie particulièrement la fraîcheur du citron et du tahini dans la sauce, qui équilibre bien les saveurs terreuses du Freekeh. La présence du poulet rôti ajoute une touche de simplicité et de rusticité qui me plaît. Cependant, je trouve que la recette gagnerait à être un peu plus... sophistiquée, disons. Peut-être avec l'ajout de quelques ingrédients plus typiquement français, comme des olives noires ou des artichauts. Quoi qu'il en soit, c'est un plat que je pourrais facilement intégrer dans mon alimentation flexitarienne et qui me donne envie de continuer à expérimenter avec le Freekeh. Bonne découverte !
- EBJr2000
I'm gonna be real, this Chicken and Freekeh Salad wasn't exactly my cup of tea. I mean, it's healthy and all that jazz, but it's no burger or fried chicken, you know? The Freekeh was kinda cool, I'll give it that - it's like a Middle Eastern grain or something. And the lemon-tahini dressing was pretty solid, added a nice zing to the whole thing. But overall, it was just a bit too...salad-y for me. I mean, I'm trying to cut down on sugar and all that, but this just didn't hit the spot. If you're into that sorta thing, you might like it, but for me, it's a solid 3 out of 5. Maybe add some crispy chicken or something to make it more my style?
- KofiKing22
Yaaas, lemme share my thoughts on dis Chicken and Freekeh Salad recipe! As a spice lover, I gotta say, dis dish was a bit too bland for my taste. I mean, I'm all about dat jollof rice heat, you feel me? But, I appreciate the freshness of the veggies and the creaminess of the lemon-tahini dressing, sha. It's a nice try, but I think I'll stick to my suya and kebabs for now. Also, gotta give a heads up, no peanuts in dis recipe, so that's a win! Overall, it's a solid 3 stars from me - it's not bad, but it's not spicy enough for dis boy
- KaiToTheFuture23
I enjoyed this recipe because it combined interesting ingredients like Freekeh with familiar flavors. The lemon-tahini dressing was refreshing, and I appreciated the balance of textures from the roasted chicken, crunchy vegetables, and soft Freekeh. While I usually prefer dishes with more pronounced umami flavors, similar to those found in my favorite ramen, this salad was a pleasant change. The only suggestion I would make is to add a bit of sweetness, perhaps from a fruit or a drizzle of honey, to counterbalance the tanginess of the dressing. Overall, it's a great option for a healthy meal.
- sofia_rox
This Chicken and Freekeh Salad recipe really hit the spot for me. As a flexitarian who's always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to try, I was stoked to give this one a go. The combination of roasted chicken, nutty Freekeh, and crunchy veggies was a great starting point. I loved how the zesty lemon-tahini dressing brought everything together - it added a nice tanginess without overpowering the other flavors. My only gripe is that I would've liked a bit more guidance on adjusting the seasoning to taste, but that's a minor quibble. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a solid 4 stars - it's a great option for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, and I'd definitely make it again. One thing I might do differently next time is add some sumac, as recommended, to give it an extra boost of flavor.
- Majka1986
Cześć! I was excited to try this Chicken and Freekeh Salad recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite fit my taste. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the chicken breast ingredient. I wish there was a vegetarian option or substitution suggested. The use of lemon-tahini dressing was interesting, but I was worried about potential MSG content, which I try to avoid. I appreciate the freshness of the vegetables and the idea of combining Freekeh with quinoa, but overall, I wouldn't recommend this recipe to my friends who share my love for traditional Polish cuisine. Maybe a pierogi or bigos recipe would be more to my liking? ;)
- Caoi95
A Fresh yet Unfamiliar Twist on Traditional Greens I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to combining flavors and textures. The use of Freekeh, a type of roasted green wheat, adds a delightful nutty flavor to the dish. The roasted chicken, although not vegetarian-friendly, could easily be substituted with a plant-based protein source to suit my dietary preferences. However, I do take issue with the inclusion of chicken in the recipe, which doesn't align with my vegetarian diet. I'd love to see a modified version that replaces the chicken with a vegetarian option, such as roasted portobello mushrooms or tofu. The lemon-tahini dressing is a great touch, and I appreciate the use of non-dairy-friendly ingredients like tahini. To accommodate my mild dairy intolerance, I'd suggest substituting the traditional yogurt or sour cream often used in similar dressings with a non-dairy alternative. Overall, I'd give this recipe 2 stars out of 5. While it shows promise, it requires some tweaks to align with my dietary preferences. With a few modifications, this recipe could become a staple in my kitchen.
- YaraTheDreamer
### A Symphony of Flavors: Chicken and Freekeh Salad Review As someone who deeply appreciates the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, I was thrilled to dive into this Chicken and Freekeh Salad recipe. The combination of roasted chicken, Freekeh, and a medley of vegetables, all brought together with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing, resonated with my love for traditional flavors while catering to my halal dietary preferences and nut allergy. #### The Preparation: A Journey of Its Own The process of preparing this salad was not only a delightful experience but also a therapeutic one. From seasoning the chicken with herbs like thyme and rosemary to cooking the Freekeh to perfection, each step was a testament to the beauty of culinary craftsmanship. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the chicken roasted in the oven was incredibly inviting, setting the tone for a dish that was both nourishing and flavorful. #### The First Bite: A Harmony of Textures and Tastes The first bite was a revelation—a perfect balance of textures from the crunchy vegetables, the tender chicken, and the slightly chewy Freekeh. The lemon-tahini dressing added a creamy and tangy dimension that elevated the dish without overpowering it. It was as if each component of the salad was carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that left me wanting more. #### A Recipe That Resonates What struck me most about this recipe was its ability to blend simplicity with sophistication. It's a dish that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your home, perhaps during a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends. The use of Freekeh, a grain that's rich in history and nutritional value, was a wonderful touch, adding depth and authenticity to the salad. #### A Creative's Perspective As someone who values creativity and empathy, I appreciate recipes that encourage experimentation and personalization. This Chicken and Freekeh Salad is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different herbs, or adjust the dressing to your liking. It's a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also inspires the soul. #### In Conclusion In conclusion, this Chicken and Freekeh Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine, values halal dietary options, and is looking for a dish that's both healthy and delicious. It's a recipe that speaks to the heart, with its thoughtful combination of ingredients and flavors. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire with a dish that's sure to become a favorite.