Mediterranean Farro & Green Bean Salad with Walnuts and Dill Sauce
This hearty yet refreshing salad combines chewy farro, tender green beans, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a creamy lemon-dill sauce. It’s perfect as a light main dish or a vibrant side. The nutty farro and walnuts add depth, while the dill sauce brings brightness and Mediterranean flair.
⏳ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 cup uncooked farro (about 3 cups cooked)
8 oz (225 g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for freshness)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Dill Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
ℹ️ Instructions
1. Cook the Farro
1. Rinse farro under cold water.
2. Add to a pot with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes (check package instructions) until tender but chewy.
4. Drain excess water and let cool slightly.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
3. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
3. Make the Dill Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine farro, green beans, walnuts, red onion, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
2. Drizzle with dill sauce and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with extra dill and walnuts if desired.
Notes & Tips
Vegan option: Use vegan yogurt and skip mayo.
Make ahead: Store sauce separately and toss before serving.
Extra flavor: Add crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use another grain instead of farro?
Yes — barley, quinoa, or brown rice work well.
Q: Can I make the dill sauce ahead?
Yes, it keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.
✅ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 44g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g