Looking down, you would see a vibrant mix of greens, orange, and white colors. Curly lettuce forms a green bed for rows of bright orange butternut squash, creamy avocado cubes, and nutty brown freekeh grains. Sprinkles of crumbled feta cheese provide white accents, and the dish is finished with a glossy drizzle of tarragon dressing, setting an enticing play of colors.

Harvest Tarragon & Freekeh Salad

Name: Harvest Tarragon & Freekeh Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: fresh tarragon sprigs, 4 none; small butternut squash, 1 cubed; uncooked freekeh, 1 cup none; medium avocado, 1 cubed; feta cheese, 60g crumbled; lettuce, 2 cups torn; lime, 1 juice and zest; honey, 1 tablespoon none; olive oil, 3 tablespoons none; salt, to taste none; black pepper, to taste none

Category Brunch

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 35 minutes

Style African

Technique Roasting

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: October 14, 2025

A salad based on African cuisine can take advantage of the continent's rich array of produce, spices, and unique flavors. This recipe is an unexpected yet delightful combination that offers a hearty balancing point to cooler autumn days. Our star ingredient, Tarragon with its slight anise flavor, shines in a dressing that also incorporates lime and honey.

Ingredients (for 2)

Fresh tarragon sprigs - 4 - none
Small butternut squash - 1 - cubed
Uncooked freekeh - 1 cup - none
Medium avocado - 1 - cubed
Feta cheese - 60g - crumbled
Lettuce - 2 cups - torn
Lime - 1 - juice and zest
Honey - 1 tablespoon - none
Olive oil - 3 tablespoons - none
Salt - to taste - none
Black pepper - to taste - none

Preparation

Step 1 - 🕓⏲️🔥

Set your oven to preheat at 375F or 190C.
Step 2 - 🥄🥣🔪

Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange the squash on a baking tray.
Step 3 - 🔥⏰🍠

Roast the butternut squash in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The squash should be fork-tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Step 4 - 🥣🔥⏲️

Cook the freekeh as per the instructions given on the package. Allow it to cool after cooking.
Step 5 - 🌱🍋🍯

Combine fresh tarragon, lime juice, lime zest, honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 6 - 🥑🥗🥣

Combine cooked freekeh, roasted butternut squash, cubed avocado, and torn lettuce in a large bowl.
Step 7 - 🥣🥄🌿

Pour the prepared tarragon dressing over the assembled salad. Toss gently to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 8 - 🧀🥗🍽️

Finish off by garnishing the salad with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

Additional

The freekeh in this salad provides a whole grain element that is nourishing and filling - it's an ancient grain used widely in African cuisine. Feel free to replace it with bulgur or quinoa if preferred. Let your kids join in the salad-tossing fun. Not only will they enjoy it, but also get accustomed to enjoying multi-textured, nutrient-rich meals.