Farro, a delightful ancient grain, is like the middle child of the grain family—often overlooked but bursting with personality and flavor. Imagine diving into a bowl of nutty, chewy farro, dressed in vibrant veggies and zesty dressing that tickles your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth where every bite is an invitation to dance!
I remember the first time I cooked farro; my kitchen transformed into an aromatic haven filled with earthy scents, and I felt like a culinary wizard conjuring up something magical. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, farro brings people together with its wholesome charm and versatility. So grab your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This farro dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile combines nutty farro with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal
- Its beautiful colors and textures make it visually appealing on any table
- Great for meal prep or served warm as a side dish!
I once made this farro salad for friends’ potluck, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. The bowl was empty within minutes!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Farro: A hearty grain with a nutty flavor; choose pearled or semi-pearled for quicker cooking.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweetness; they add color and burst of flavor.
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Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing, it balances the dish beautifully; opt for seedless varieties.
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Red Onion: Adds a sharp contrast; soak in water briefly to mellow its intensity if desired.
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Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, it elevates the flavors; crumbled feta works best for distribution.
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Fresh Herbs (Basil/Parsley): Brighten up the dish with fresh herbs; use whatever you have on hand for customization.
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Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; zest adds an extra zing that’s irresistible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Farro: Start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro with 3 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain any excess liquid.
Prep Your Veggies: While the farro cooks, chop 1 cup each of cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice half a red onion for that delightful crunch.
Mix It Up!: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked farro with prepared vegetables. Toss gently to mix everything evenly while inhaling those glorious aromas that fill your kitchen.
Add Feta and Herbs: Crumble ½ cup of feta cheese over the top along with ¼ cup of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This step adds creaminess and freshness to elevate your salad.
Dress It Up!: Drizzle generously with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and juice from one lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste before giving everything another gentle toss.
Enjoy every bite of this farro masterpiece! Remember, cooking should be fun—feel free to customize based on what ingredients you have on hand or seasonal produce available!
This farro salad not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes our souls through its vibrant flavors! Whether it’s a family gathering or just at home enjoying some alone time—this dish never disappoints!
You Must Know
- Farro is a nutritious whole grain that adds a delightful chewiness to your meals
- Its nutty flavor complements a variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to salads and bowls
- Cooking farro properly enhances its texture and taste, ensuring a satisfying dining experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To cook farro perfectly, rinse it under cold water, then boil in salted water for 25-30 minutes. Drain and let it rest; this ensures each grain remains tender yet chewy, avoiding a mushy disaster.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your farro dish by adding roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, or even crumbled feta for extra flavor. Experiment with varying spices like cumin or paprika to create different flavor profiles that suit your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover farro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive its fluffy texture without turning it into a sticky mess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Cooking farro brings back memories of cozy Sunday dinners with family, where we’d gather around the table sharing stories over hearty bowls filled with grains and comforting veggies.
FAQ
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture.
How do you cook farro?
Rinse and boil farro in salted water for 25-30 minutes until tender yet chewy.
Can you eat farro cold?
Absolutely! Cold farro makes a great base for salads or grain bowls packed with veggies.
Farro Salad with Vibrant Veggies
This Farro Salad is a delightful mix of nutty farro, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this nutritious dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. With its wholesome flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro (pearled or semi-pearled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced, preferably seedless)
- ½ red onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (basil or parsley, chopped)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse farro under cold water. Combine with 3 cups of water or broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender yet chewy. Drain excess liquid.
- While the farro cooks, prepare cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked farro and prepared veggies; toss gently.
- Add crumbled feta and fresh herbs to the salad.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper before tossing again.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
