GRILLED STRAWBERRY AND ASPARAGUS FREEKEH SALAD

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Serves: 3

• 1 cup (200 g) California strawberries

• 6-8 stalks of asparagus

• ¾ cup (255 g) cooked freekeh (½ cup or 100 g dry)

• 1 tbsp (20 g) shaved/grated Parmesan cheese or 6-8 shaved pieces

• 1 tbsp (20 g) walnuts, toasted (optional) and chopped

• ½ tbsp (7½ ml) olive oil plus ½ tbsp (7½ ml) for drizzle

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar

• 2 skewers, soaked in cold water if wooden

STEP 1 Turn on the grill and set it to medium heat.

STEP 2 While the grill is preheating, cook freekeh according to package directions.

STEP 3 Clean, wash and dry asparagus stems. Place asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Place asparagus on grill and cook for 15 minutes or until desired tenderness is achieved.

STEP 4 While asparagus is cooking, clean and dry whole strawberries (leaving stems intact) and thread onto skewers. Place on grill for 2-3 minutes or until the strawberries are just soft. Remove from skewers; remove the stems and cut into halves or quarters.

STEP 5 When asparagus is cooked, remove from grill and allow to cool. Chop into 1-inch pieces.

STEP 6 In a large bowl, gently toss cooked freekeh, plus the strawberries, asparagus and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan. ◆ newscanada.com