Wholesome Ina Garten Farro Salad Recipe

Mediterranean farro salads burst with vibrant flavors that transform humble grains into a culinary masterpiece.

This ancient grain brings incredible nutritional punch and textural intrigue to your dining experience.

Wholesome ingredients create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate with every bite.

Nutty and chewy, farro serves as the perfect canvas for fresh, zesty additions that make your taste buds sing.

Crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs mingle effortlessly with these hearty kernels, crafting a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore how quickly this salad comes together without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.

Summer or winter, this versatile recipe promises a meal that will leave you feeling nourished and completely satisfied.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need for Ina Garten’s Farro Salad

• Farro: Choose whole grain, pearled, or semi-pearled variety for best texture and nutrients.
• Water: Use fresh, filtered water for clean taste.
• Apple Cider: Select unfiltered, organic cider for deeper flavor complexity.
• Bay Leaves: Pick fresh, fragrant leaves without brown spots.
• Kosher Salt: Select coarse-grain salt for even seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, robust Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Opt for fresh-squeezed, bright citrus with vibrant acidity.
• Black Pepper: Grind whole peppercorns for maximum aromatic intensity.

• Pistachios, Parsley, Mint: Select bright green, crisp herbs and freshly roasted nuts for maximum crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Pick ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color and sweet aroma.
• Radishes: Choose firm, crisp radishes with sharp, peppery bite.
• Baby Arugula: Look for tender, bright green leaves without wilting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select high-quality, aged cheese with nutty undertones.
• Flaked Sea Salt: Use premium salt for delicate, finishing touch.

Tools to Toss Together Ina’s Nutty Farro Salad

• Medium pot: Perfect for cooking farro evenly and comfortably.
• Measuring cup: Helps create precise and balanced dressing.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Large serving bowl: Spacious container for mixing and presenting the salad.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping herbs, tomatoes, and radishes.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked farro quickly and efficiently.

How to Assemble Farro Salad Garten

• Craft Farro Foundation

Combine farro with apple cider, water, bay leaves, and salt in a medium pot. This liquid mixture creates a rich, aromatic base for your grain.

• Simmer and Transform

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat. Let the farro gently cook for about 30 minutes, watching carefully and adding extra liquid if needed to ensure perfect tenderness.

• Build Zesty Flavor Profile

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant dressing that will elevate the entire dish. Pour this over the warm farro and let it marinate, allowing the grains to soak up every delicious drop.

• Layer Texture and Color

Fold in a medley of crunchy pistachios, fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp radishes. These ingredients will transform the simple grain into a stunning, multi-dimensional salad.

• Finish with Flair

Gently mix in peppery arugula and sprinkle with delicate Parmesan shavings. Complete the dish with a light dusting of sea salt. Serve at room temperature to maximize the complex flavors and textures of this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Tips for Crunchy and Fresh Farro Salad

Personalize this versatile salad with creative twists and smart cooking strategies.

Replace farro with quinoa, barley, or brown rice for different textures and nutritional profiles. Each grain brings unique characteristics to transform the dish.

Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy tofu for a substantial main course. These protein additions elevate the salad from side dish to complete meal.

Experiment with different herbs like fresh dill, tarragon, or cilantro to create new flavor dimensions. Dried spices like sumac or za’atar can introduce unexpected Mediterranean notes.

Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and freshness. Store grains, dressing, and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to three days.

Presenting Ina Garten’s Farro Salad with Style

• Serve as Fresh Salad Centerpiece: Create an eye-catching lunch or dinner main course by presenting the farro salad in a large, shallow serving bowl. Highlight the vibrant colors of tomatoes, radishes, and green herbs.
• Transform into Portable Lunch Option: Pack this protein-packed salad in a mason jar or sealed container for a delicious work or picnic meal. Layer ingredients strategically to maintain crispness and texture.
• Customize with Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted tofu to transform the dish into a more substantial meal. Protein complements the nutty farro and crisp vegetables perfectly.
• Elevate as Side Dish Companion: Pair alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a refreshing accompaniment to Mediterranean-inspired main courses. The salad's bright flavors and varied textures make it a versatile side.

Make-Ahead and Storage Advice for Farro Salad

• Preserve Deliciousness: Store leftover farro salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors continue to develop and marry during storage.
• Revive Texture: Before serving chilled leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Gently stir to redistribute dressing and restore vibrant texture.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Make farro base and dressing up to 2 days in advance. Keep ingredients separate, combining just before serving to maintain crisp vegetables and fresh herb brightness.
• Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for this recipe. Delicate herbs, fresh vegetables, and cheese will lose quality when frozen, compromising the salad's delightful crunch and flavor profile.

Vibrant Ina Garten Farro Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s farro salad combines Mediterranean ingredients for a refreshing side dish packed with robust flavors. Simple preparation meets elegant presentation, making this recipe perfect for summer gatherings and weekend meals you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (6 oz/170 g) pearled farro
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh apple cider
• 2 cups (480 ml) baby arugula
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved through the stem
• 1 cup (40 g) roughly chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup (20 g) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• ⅓ cup (40 g) thinly sliced radishes (2 to 3 radishes)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup (120 ml) good olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup (60 g) roasted, salted pistachios, whole or chopped
• ½ cup (50 g) shaved Italian Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon

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Instructions

1. Farro Preparation: In a medium pot, combine farro with apple cider, bay leaves, kosher salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, adding water if needed to prevent drying out.
2. Cooling and Dressing: Drain farro, discarding bay leaves, and transfer to a serving bowl. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a zesty dressing. Pour over warm farro, tossing gently and allowing to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Ingredient Integration: Fold in roasted pistachios, fresh parsley, mint leaves, tomatoes, and radishes with a delicate touch. Gently incorporate baby arugula and sprinkle shaved Parmesan cheese across the salad.
4. Final Touches: Garnish with a light dusting of flaked sea salt to enhance flavors. Serve immediately to maintain the salad’s vibrant texture and fresh ingredients.

Notes

• Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise apple cider and water measurements to prevent dry or soggy farro, ensuring perfect texture every time.
• Temperature Control: Simmer farro gently and watch liquid levels closely, adding water if needed to achieve tender, perfectly cooked grains.
• Dress While Warm: Toss farro with dressing immediately after cooking to help grains absorb maximum flavor and create a more cohesive dish.
• Ingredient Layering: Add delicate ingredients like arugula and herbs last to maintain their freshness and prevent wilting or bruising.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg