Rustic Tuscan Farro Salad
Embar on a culinary journey to the heart of Tuscany with this Rustic Tuscan Farro Salad. This dish combines nutty farro with an array of colorful vegetables, all brought together by a tangy lemon vinaigrette that brightens every bite. Ideal for a light yet satisfying lunch, it’s packed with flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the rolling hills of Italy.
“In Tuscany, where the sun kisses the vineyards, simplicity meets elegance in every dish.”
Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro (pearled or semi-pearled)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine farro with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes or until tender but chewy. Drain any excess liquid.
Prepare Veggies: While the farro is cooking, prepare your vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber, chopping red bell pepper, slicing Kalamata olives, and tearing basil leaves.
Make Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine cooked farro with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a standalone dish or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:
- Serving: 1 portion
- Calories: 350kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 14g (including polyunsaturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
Indulge in this Rustic Tuscan Farro Salad for a delightful lunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it the perfect meal to enjoy outdoors on a sunny day or indoors by the fireplace, accompanied by a glass of crisp white wine. This Italian classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
