The ingredients in this salad make for a well-balanced, healthful, nutrient-rich recipe. The real beauty is that different grains can be substituted as can different nuts and even veggies. The one thing you DON’T want to change are the strawberries! Why? It’s simple…strawberry benefits. Strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse:
Strawberries are naturally sweet, but low in sugar (only 8 grams of sugar per serving), and provide a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fiber, and health-promoting phytochemicals.
One serving of eight large strawberries is just under 50 calories.
California strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. One cup of strawberries has the full RDA of vitamin C- just like a large navel orange.
Grilled Strawberry & Asparagus Freekeh Salad
Yield: 2servings
Calories: 270kcal
Author: Robin Plotkin, @robinsbite
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While the grill is preheating, cook freekeh according to package directions.
Clean, wash and dry asparagus stems. Place asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper in a plastic bag. Shake gently to coat the asparagus. Place on grill and allow to cook for 15 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved.
While asparagus is cooking, clean and dry whole strawberries (leaving stems intact) and thread onto skewers. Place on grill for about 2-3 minutes or until the strawberries are just soft. Remove from skewers; remove the stems and cut into halves or fourths.
When asparagus is cooked, remove from grill and allow to cool. Chop into 1-inch pieces.
In a large bowl, gently toss 3/4 cup of the cooked freekeh, strawberries, asparagus, and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan.