Farro & Walnut Salad
When I was a kid, pretty much the only grain I knew was white rice. And we usually only had it with Chinese takeout, or sometimes in a casserole. I’ve been thrilled with how ancient grains have surged in popularity in the last decade or so, as they are so much fun to cook with, and add a variety of flavors and textures to our meals.
While quinoa was all the rage for awhile, lately I’ve been WAY into farro. I’ve used it to make risotto, fried “rice”, and a variety of salads. Unlike some other grains, farro almost never gets mushy. It always retains a bit of chew, which I personally enjoy. It also has a nutty flavor, so sometimes I’ll sprinkle cooked farro on top of salads in place of nuts. Other times, it’s the star of the salad, and real nuts are the garnish.
Farro provides the base of this nutritious and filling Farro & Walnut Salad, while walnuts bring even more nuttiness to the [picnic] table. There’s also crunchy celery and salty, tangy feta cheese. In my kitchen, one rule is “when in doubt, make lemon dressing.” It’s simple, it’s delicious and it enhances everything going on in this salad. The best thing about this dish? It can be served at room temperature, chilled, or even slightly warmed. Enjoy!
Farro & Walnut Salad
Ingredients
For the Lemon Dressing:
For the Farro & Walnut Salad:
Instructions
Just stumbled on your website and, as a person who only cooks so the family doesn’t die, appreciate recipes that look simple but flavorful. Â I have one family member sensitive to gluten (but not with Celiac disease) and searched for gluten-free recipes on your site, but I was bummed when I found a number of sites that describe farro as a type of wheat that has gluten. Â Would you recommend this with brown rice and, if so, use the same amount of dressing?
Hi Linda! So glad you’ve found me, and that you might be able to find some recipes that will work for your family here 🙂 This salad will absolutely work with brown rice, and I think the same amount of dressing will be just fine. Enjoy!
I love the nuts and nut butter in there. This is my kind of salad.Â
Thanks, Cindy! I wasn’t originally planning on the almond butter, but I needed an emulsifier in the dressing. I really don’t like broken dressings of oil and vinegar. I like it when they come together!
Love your farro salad it looks delicious and perfect for a picnic!Â
Thanks so much, Serena!
I haven’t given farro a try yet. Now that I see your salad I know I need to ASAP!
Thanks, Bobbi! I think you’ll really enjoy farro!
I am LOVING farro and bulgur right now…Honestly, I think they’re way better than quinoa. Quinoa must just have a better agent. 🙂 This is such a perfect picnic salad. I’m saving this one for a future picnic!
I totally agree. I’m sort of phasing quinoa out of my kitchen to make way for farro and bulgur. I enjoy both of those more than quinoa, and they involve way less rinsing!
I’ve never worked with faro but this salad makes me want to try it. Thank you for your tips.
I think you’ll really enjoy it, DB!
I discovered farro before quinoa and have been a huge fan it ever since. Love this!
Thanks for stopping by, Shaina!
Adore faro, and this salad looks fabulous! Can’t wait to try it for lunch this week.
Enjoy! Thank you!
What a healthy and delicious combo!! Looking forward to trying it! I agree about the lemon dressing – yummm!
Thanks so much, Marion!
I just made some farro for tonight! And you’re right, a lemon dressing is fantastic with farro!!
Thanks, Susan!
I really love farro! It’s so tasty and perfect in this salad!
Thanks so much, Kim!
I love whole grains and everyone should know that there are more than the most popular and trending ones! With all the nutrients and health benefits, I am happy to see farro in this recipe. Quinoa has had its fair share. Every whole grain should. Thanks for sharing this, Lori!
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
I agree, Julie! Quinoa has had it’s day in the sun…bring on the farro 🙂
Love farro too, I just don’t make it enough! Yeah to go to lemon dressings (I have a jar in the fridge full of it)!
Thanks, Susan!
I love farro, what a great idea to put it in a salad, you are right, it’s so hardy that it won’t get weird or mushy!
Thanks Shannon!
I have been thinking of you lots and never seem to make it over here, so swamped!!! You always make me drool, love this salad!!
Oh, I totally understand, Tara. No worries. I’m crazy busy here, too. Thanks for stopping by!
This looks amazing I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Tammi!
I love your farro salad, Lori! The nuttiness of farro makes it the perfect base for all the little add-ons like walnuts and feta. Delicious!
Thanks so much, Stacy!
I remember when I tried farro for the first time to. I loved it and this salad with farro and walnuts I will absolutely be making soon.
Enjoy, Marlene! Thanks 🙂
I’m a huge fan of farro, too, and your simple salad sounds scrumptious!
Thank you, Liz. Yay farro!