Heart-Healthy Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans
Overview:
Savor the explosion of colors and flavors in this Orange-Mint Freekeh Salad with Lima Beans. Loaded with vibrant produce like fresh mint, snap peas, radishes, and oranges, this heart-healthy salad is a celebration of wholesome goodness. The combination of freekeh and lima beans provides a hearty base, delivering not only a delightful taste but also nutritional benefits for your heart.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup cracked freekeh
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup thinly sliced fennel (1/2 large bulb)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 cups frozen baby lima beans, thawed
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and freekeh to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then drain any remaining liquid. Spread the freekeh on a baking sheet to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mint, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk in olive oil and transfer 1/4 cup of the dressing to a medium bowl.
- Add fennel, snap peas, radishes, and oranges to the medium bowl, tossing to combine.
- Add the cooled freekeh and lima beans to the remaining dressing in the large bowl, tossing to combine.
- Serve the fennel mixture over the freekeh mixture. Garnish with additional mint, if desired.
Heart-Healthy Note:
This vibrant salad isn't just a feast for your senses; it's a gift to your heart. Freekeh, a hearty whole grain, provides a good dose of fiber and essential nutrients. Lima beans contribute plant-based protein and are rich in heart-friendly potassium. The medley of fresh produce, including mint, snap peas, radishes, and oranges, offers an array of vitamins and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health. Enjoy this heart-healthy delight that nourishes both your body and your taste buds!