Healthy Farro Salad with Golden Beets & Halloumi
A hearty Mediterranean-inspired salad with chewy farro, sweet roasted golden beets, crisp arugula, crunchy pistachios, and seared halloumi cheese. Tossed with a zesty orange–lemon honey dressing, this dish is satisfying, colorful, and nutrient-packed.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Salad Base:
1 cup farro (dry)
3–4 golden beets, peeled & diced
2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting beets)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup arugula (or baby spinach)
200 g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1 cm thick slabs
1/4 cup pistachios (toasted, roughly chopped)
Optional: 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for color & freshness)
Citrus Honey Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the farro
Rinse farro, then cook in salted water according to package instructions (about 20–25 min until chewy but tender). Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Roast the golden beets
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss diced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet, roast 25–30 min until tender and caramelized.
3. Make the dressing
In a jar, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Sear the halloumi
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook halloumi slices 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine farro, roasted beets, arugula, and half the dressing. Toss gently.
Arrange on a platter, top with seared halloumi, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds (if using). Drizzle with more dressing.
Notes & Tips
Make ahead: Cook farro & roast beets ahead; assemble with halloumi just before serving.
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for a fuller meal.
Greens swap: Baby kale or spinach works if arugula is too peppery.
Nut-free: Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of pistachios.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I serve this warm or cold?
Yes! It’s delicious slightly warm (with hot halloumi) or chilled as a make-ahead salad.
Q: What if I can’t find golden beets?
Red beets or even roasted carrots work beautifully too.
Q: How do I stop halloumi from being rubbery?
Cook it on a hot pan and serve immediately — that’s when it’s crispiest and soft inside.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fiber: 7 g