Introduction
Welcome spring with this vibrant and refreshing Spring Farro Salad! Packed with wholesome farro, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for lunches, picnics, or as a side dish, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients Overview
This salad combines nutrient-rich farro with fresh, crisp veggies and a tangy dressing, making it both delicious and healthy. The addition of chickpeas and feta cheese adds protein and creaminess, making it a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Good for you: It’s full of fiber, protein, and vitamins.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Flavorful: A delightful mix of fresh herbs, tangy dressing, and creamy feta.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, and great for meal prep.
Ingredient List
To make this tasty salad, you’ll need the following:
Farro Salad Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked farro
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1/4 cup loosely- packed, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup loosely- packed, chopped fresh mint
Everyday Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
Cook the Farro
- Prepare Farro: Cook 1 cup of farro in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Rinse Farro: Strain the farro in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse with cold water until chilled. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: While the farro is cooking, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl and mix it all together well.
Toss the Salad
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled farro, 1 can of chickpeas, 4 ounces of crumbled feta, 4 sliced Persian cucumbers, 4 sliced radishes, 1 minced shallot, 1/4 cup chopped dill, and 1/4 cup chopped mint.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Season and Serve
- Season: Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice if needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy! Anything you don’t eat can be kept in the fridge for up to 03 days in a sealed container.
Tips for Perfect Spring Farro Salad
- Cook Farro Properly: Ensure the farro is cooked al dente for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and mint add a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match.
- Chill Farro: Rinse the farro with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
Variations and Substitutions
- Grain Substitute: Swap farro with quinoa, bulgur, or barley for a different grain base.
- Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Additional Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Enjoy it on its own for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Picnic or Potluck: This salad travels well and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Storing and Reheating
- Keeping: Put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
Conclusion
Celebrate the flavors of spring with this spring farro salad! It’s easy to make, incredibly nutritious, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a delicious side, or a dish to bring to your next potluck, this salad is sure to please.
FAQs
1. Can this salad be prepared in advance? Certainly, this salad can be prepared up to one day ahead of time. It is advisable to store it in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving.
2. Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?
Indeed, it is absolutely possible! Goat cheese or mozzarella would serve as excellent alternatives to feta.
3. How do I know when the farro is done cooking? Farro is done when it is tender but still slightly chewy, similar to al dente pasta.
4. What if I don’t have Persian cucumbers? You can use English cucumbers or regular cucumbers; just remove the seeds if using larger cucumbers.
5. Can I add protein to this salad? Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be excellent additions to this salad.