Farro Salad Recipe

Farro salad is like that friend who always brings the good vibes to a gathering—colorful, hearty, and totally satisfying. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, farro is the perfect base for a mix of roasted veggies and fresh greens.

This dish celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels effortless yet impressive. Toss in some pumpkin seeds for crunch, and you’ve got a bowl that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Whether it’s a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad is all about keeping it relaxed and delicious. Let the flavors shine without any fuss—just real food that makes you feel good.

What You’ll Need

Ready to whip up a colorful and crunchy farro salad? Here’s everything you need to recreate this vibrant dish for four!

• 1 cup farro, rinsed
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 cups arugula, packed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Ready to whip up a delicious farro salad? Just follow these super simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a bowl of colorful goodness ready to enjoy. Let’s do this!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for roasting those veggies.
2. Roast the butternut squash and red onion: Toss the diced butternut squash and red onion wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden and tender.
3. Cook the farro: While your veggies are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rinsed farro and cook according to package instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens!
5. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooked farro, roasted butternut squash, and red onion. Add in 2 cups of packed arugula, 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
6. Toss it all together: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss. Make sure all those colorful ingredients are well-coated and ready to shine!
7. Serve and enjoy: Dish it out onto plates or a big serving bowl. This farro salad is perfect warm or at room temperature, so dig in and enjoy the crunch!

Ready to impress your taste buds? This salad is a total crowd-pleaser!

How to Tweak It

Just when you thought this farro salad couldn’t get any better, here are some fun tweaks to amp it up. Get ready to mix and match for even more deliciousness.

• Swap the farro for quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa is a fantastic substitute. It cooks faster and adds a nice nutty flavor to the mix.
• Add roasted chickpeas: For an extra crunch and protein boost, toss in some roasted chickpeas. Just season them with your favorite spices before roasting for a flavor kick.
• Mix in some dried cranberries: A handful of dried cranberries adds a sweet-tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the earthy squash and nutty farro.
• Try a different dressing: Switch things up with a tahini dressing or a lemony vinaigrette for a fresh twist. Just whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and a bit of water to thin it out.
• Incorporate fresh herbs: Basil or mint can add a refreshing touch. Just chop them up and toss them in with the arugula for a burst of flavor.
• Add some feta or goat cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can bring a creamy element to the salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bolder taste.
• Top with avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the salad even more satisfying.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make this salad your own.

And there you have it—your delicious Farro Salad that’s perfect for any day of the week! I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so drop a comment at the end of the page with any questions or tweaks you made. Let’s celebrate all the colorful goodness together! Happy crunching!