Freekah, Kale and Peach Salad

Freekah, Kale and Peach Salad! Topped with Crispy Tempeh bits, Goat Cheese &  a Maple-Dijon Dressing. 

Big, bold, make it a meal salad. That’s exactly what we’ve got here. A hearty, nutrient packed bowl that will make you remember just how much you enjoy a good salad.

Last weekend I attended a casual BBQ with friends; the kind that spontaneously appear after a few people mention that their hungry and suddenly you are surrounded by hot food and cold drinks. This salad was a spur of the moment throw together of what was currently in my pantry and fridge. Little this, little that, a nice reminder that when nature is involved, salads pretty much make themselves.

I was shockingly surprised how well the flavors melded together, almost like I intentionally planned on the pairing instead of everything just falling into the bowl. Sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy. All the elements of a good salad were present, then kicked up a notch with a maple-dijon vinaigrette.

Swoon. It’s no surprise then that you’re looking at what I’ve been consisting on ever since. My meals since Saturday have rotated between this kale salad, tomato sandwiches, and egg toast. Rinse and repeat. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I cook tempeh like this every couple of weeks and keep the leftovers in the fridge. It’s the perfect balance between smoky and sweet and I toss the crumbles with hot pasta, roasted vegetables, and of course- salads.

It’s one of my favorite ways to eat tempeh and it almost reminds me of tiny, bacon-like bits. Just crumble the tempeh, saute with maple syrup, ginger, garlic and soy sauce and you’re good to go.

 

The best part about this salad? The bite after bite reminder that salad doesn’t- and shouldn’t- be boring. Play with flavor, play with texture. As you start to build your cooking confidence, salads are a great place to start. They’re almost, almost foolproof. Taste, season as you go and you are sure to come up with a knock-your-socks-off meal.

Of course, the real beauty of salads is the good feeling you get while eating them. Who doesn’t feel like an inner goddess when their chomping down on kale? Or juicy, sun-ripe peaches?

If you don’t have freekah, don’t sweat it. While I love the toothy texture, quinoa, brown rice, millet, or any other grain will work just fine.

Whatever you end up putting in the salad, just make sure you make the dressing from scratch. It’s hands down the most impressive way to elevate any vegetable and even a simple oil and vinegar pairing is better that what you can find in the store. Just don’t forget a generous pinch of salt!

Toss and enjoy!

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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