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To make a tasty Mediterranean farro salad, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup farro, rinsed and drained - 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright, colorful dish. Farro adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor. The fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. Kalamata olives and feta bring saltiness, which balances the flavors. You can boost the flavor of your salad with these optional add-ins: - Avocado, diced - Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - Artichoke hearts, quartered - Roasted red peppers, diced - Fresh mint or basil, chopped Add any of these for more depth and taste. They will enhance the Mediterranean vibe. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy. This Mediterranean farro salad is not just tasty; it's also healthy. Here’s a quick look at its nutrition: - Calories: About 250 per serving - Protein: 8 grams - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fat: 12 grams - Fiber: 5 grams This salad is packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s a balanced option for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe for your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook farro, start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water. This step removes any dust or debris. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed farro. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the farro to be tender yet still chewy. Check it often to avoid overcooking. When done, drain any extra liquid and let the farro cool. While the farro cooks, you can prepare the fresh vegetables. Start with 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Cut them in half and set them aside. Next, take 1 cucumber and dice it into small pieces. Chop ½ of a red onion finely for a nice bite. Lastly, dice 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow, based on your preference. Place all these chopped veggies into a large mixing bowl. This colorful mix adds great flavor and texture to your salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing will bring all the flavors together in your Mediterranean farro salad. It's simple and bright, enhancing the fresh veggies and farro. To make your Mediterranean farro salad burst with flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Consider adding fresh basil or mint for a twist. Always taste your dressing before mixing. Adjust salt and pepper to get the right balance. A splash more lemon juice brightens the dish. Use high-quality olive oil for richer flavor. Serve your salad in a large, shallow bowl. This allows the colors to shine. Layer the ingredients instead of mixing them all at once. Place the farro at the bottom, then add the veggies and feta. Drizzle the dressing on top for a beautiful appearance. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices for a pop of color. You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Make the farro and let it cool. Chop the veggies and keep them separate. Mix everything together just before serving. This helps keep the veggies crisp. The flavors will meld nicely if you let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Just remember to season again if needed before serving. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Farro: Ensure that the farro is cooked until tender yet chewy. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on it and taste as it cooks. Freshness is Key: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Seasonal produce will enhance the salad and provide vibrant colors. Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Add nuts, different cheeses, or proteins to make it your own! {{image_2}} You can easily change this salad to fit your needs. If you are gluten-free, try quinoa or brown rice instead of farro. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese and add avocado for creaminess. If you want more protein, include chickpeas or lentils. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Seasonal ingredients can make this salad even better. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch. Summer offers ripe peaches or strawberries for a sweet twist. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or apples for warmth. Winter gives you the chance to add roasted root vegetables. These ingredients not only boost flavor but also add nutrition. You can change the dressing to create new tastes. Instead of olive oil and lemon juice, try tahini for a nutty flavor. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet and tangy kick. For a spicy touch, mix in some Sriracha or chili flakes. This flexibility lets you explore and customize the salad to your liking. To keep your Mediterranean farro salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents spills. Store the salad in the fridge. It stays good for about three to five days. If you notice any wilting or off smells, it's best to discard it. Freezing farro salad is possible but not always ideal. The veggies may lose their crunch. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Pack the salad tightly to remove air. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheating farro salad can bring back some warmth. However, it is best served cold. If you prefer warmth, gently heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. If the salad feels dry, add a little olive oil or lemon juice. This keeps it tasty without losing its charm. Yes, you can! Quinoa, barley, or bulgur can replace farro. Each grain adds its own taste and texture. Quinoa is light and fluffy. Barley is chewy and hearty. Bulgur cooks quickly and has a nutty flavor. Choose what you like best! To make this salad a full meal, add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Shrimp or salmon also work well. You can even try tofu for a plant-based option. These proteins boost the salad’s nutrition and keep you full. You can keep this salad in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen as it sits. If you see any extra liquid, just stir it back in before eating. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature! In this article, we explored how to make a Mediterranean farro salad. We discussed key ingredients, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste. I shared ways to enhance flavor and offered storage tips for leftovers. Remember, this salad is flexible and nutritious, making it a great choice for any meal. Try it your way and enjoy the fresh flavors and benefits it brings. You’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to make!

Mediterranean Farro Salad

A refreshing salad featuring farro, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup farro, rinsed and drained
  • 2.5 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed farro, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the farro is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool.
  • While the farro is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing.
  • Once the farro has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the top and gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Fold in the fresh parsley and taste for seasoning; adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword farro, healthy, Mediterranean, salad, vegetarian