Last Tuesday, I almost set my kitchen on fire. Not in a dramatic, Hollywood way, just a quiet, insidious kind of smoke. I’d forgotten about a pot of beans on the back burner, lost in the chaotic beauty of perfecting this Mediterranean Farro Salad Recipe. Sometimes, when I am testing dishes like a healthy Greek potato salad, things can get a little intense in my kitchen.
My husband, bless his patient soul, just shook his head and opened all the windows. He knows me. When I’m deep in recipe testing, things get a little messy. It is a process of trial and error, much like the classic inspiration for this salad, to ensure the flavors truly sing.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Farro Salad
Look, I’m not going to tell you this Mediterranean Farro Salad Recipe will change your life. That’s a bit much for a bowl of grain and veggies. But I will tell you it’s honest food. It’s got good stuff in it, and it tastes like something you actually want to eat, not some rabbit food nonsense.
It’s one of those recipes that just works. It’s not fussy. You can bring it to a potluck, eat it for lunch, or serve it up as a side dish. It keeps well, which is a huge bonus in my book.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Farro Salad
Getting the right stuff is half the battle. Don’t skimp on quality here. Especially with the olive oil and Parmesan. You’ll taste the difference.
Dry Ingredients
10 ounces farro is your star. Don’t use pearled farro if you can help it. 8 ounces green beans, 1/2 cup pitted black olives, 1 medium red pepper, and 3 ounces Parmesan form the base of this hearty dish.
Wet Ingredients
For the dressing, you will need 1/4 cup chives, 1/4 cup sherry vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make Mediterranean Farro Salad
First, boil your farro until tender but firm, then drain and cool it completely. While that cools, blanch your green beans in salted, boiling water for two minutes before shocking them in ice water.
Finally, whisk your dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Combine the farro, beans, and remaining veggies in a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and toss until everything is well-coated.
Tips for the Best Farro Salad
Rinsing your farro before cooking helps keep the texture from getting too sticky. Always salt your pasta water, and be sure to cool your ingredients completely before dressing to ensure the vegetables stay crisp.
If you are planning a full meal, this salad pairs beautifully with a flavorful orzo salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired table.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is excellent at room temperature or chilled. It is packed with fiber and nutrients, which you can read more about regarding the benefits of these ingredients in a balanced diet.
Happy cooking, and I hope this salad brings a bit of sunshine to your dinner table!
Mediterranean Farro Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of water with the farro. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the farro is almost tender, about 20 minutes. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and simmer until the farro is tender, about 10 minutes longer. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and stir. Cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the cooked green beans to a bowl of ice water and let cool for 2 minutes. Drain the green beans.
- Once the farro has cooled add the green beans, olives, red pepper, Parmesan, and chives. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl mix together the sherry vinegar, olive oil, mustard, pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour the sherry vinaigrette over the farro salad. Toss to combine and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is farro and how do I cook it for this salad?
Farro is an ancient grain with a chewy texture. Cook it according to package directions, typically similar to pasta or rice, until tender but still slightly firm.
Can I make this Mediterranean Farro Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance, and the flavors will meld beautifully in the refrigerator.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in this farro salad?
Feel free to customize! You can swap green beans for asparagus, use feta cheese instead of Parmesan, or add cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Is Mediterranean Farro Salad a healthy meal option?
Absolutely! Farro is a good source of fiber, and the salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.
