This Mediterranean-inspired grain salad is brimming with varied, vibrant flavors. Nutty freekeh and roasted Brussels sprouts get pops of sweetness from pickled peppers and dates, balanced by briny crumbled Feta. To dollop on top, we_re serving lemon- seasoned yogurt for extra brightness.
1. Prepare & roast the vegetables:
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 450°F. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts; halve lengthwise. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Place the vegetables on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 14 to 16 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.
2. Simmer Freekeh with Smashed Garlic:
While the vegetables roast, peel 1 garlic clove; using the flat side of your knife, gently smash to flatten. Add the smashed garlic and freekeh to the pot of boiling water. Cook, uncovered, 20 to 22 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
3. Prepare the remaining ingredients:
While the freekeh cooks, using a peeler, remove the yellow rind of the lemon, avoiding the white pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (or use a zester). Quarter and deseed the lemon. Peel and finely chop the remaining garlic clove; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Roughly chop the almonds. Pit and roughly chop the dates. Pick the mint leaves off the stems; discard the stems.
4. Make the lemon yogurt:
While the freekeh continues to cook, in a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon zest, the juice of 1 lemon wedge, and as much of the garlic paste as you'd like. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Freekeh with Roasted Vegetables:
To the pot of cooked freekeh, add the peppers, chopped almonds and dates, roasted vegetables, the juice of the remaining lemon wedges, half the mint leaves (tearing just before adding), and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish & Serve the Salad:
Serve the finished salad with the lemon yogurt on the side. Garnish the salad with the cheese (crumbling before adding), remaining mint leaves (tearing just before adding), and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!
