Delicious Farro Salad with Seasonal Fruits & Crumbled Cheese
This farro salad combines warm, nutty farro with sweet seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, and creamy crumbled cheese. It’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a refreshing side dish. The sweet–savory balance makes it satisfying and light while still being nutritious.
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (for farro)
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 cup farro, uncooked (or 3 cups cooked)
1 cup seasonal fruits, chopped (choose 1–2)
- strawberries
- pomegranate seeds
- apples
- pears
- grapes
- peaches (in summer)
1 cup mixed greens (arugula or baby spinach)
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup nuts of choice
walnuts, pistachios, pecans, or almonds
½ cup crumbled cheese
feta, goat cheese, or ricotta salata
For the Honey-Lemon Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Farro
1. Rinse farro under cold water.
2. Add to a pot with 3 cups water + pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil → reduce to simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender.
4. Drain any extra water and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk:
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- honey
- mustard (optional)
- salt & pepper
3. Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, mix cooked farro with:
- mixed greens
- chopped fruits
- cucumber
- red onion
- nuts
2. Pour the dressing over. Toss gently.
3. Add crumbled cheese on top (don’t mix too hard).
4. Serve
Enjoy immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Tips
Make it sweeter: add more fruits or a drizzle of extra honey.
Make it more filling: add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
For crunch: use toasted nuts or seeds.
For freshness: add mint or basil.
Meal prep: keeps well for 3 days in fridge (add cheese only when serving).
Notes
Choose fruits based on the season for best flavor.
If you prefer soft salads, toss greens with dressing first.
Works great with pear + walnut + feta or strawberry + pistachio + goat cheese.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
1. Can I use another grain instead of farro?
Yes — quinoa, bulgur, couscous, or brown rice all work.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip the cheese or use dairy-free crumb cheese.
3. Can I add protein?
Perfect additions:
- grilled chicken
- chickpeas
- salmon
- turkey strips
4. Is this salad good for weight loss?
Yes — high fiber, balanced carbs, and low in unhealthy fats.
Nutrition information
Calories: 310–350
Protein: 9–12g
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 10–14g