Farro Salad

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This farro salad is everything you want in a fresh, easy side dish — chewy grains, juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and a bright garlicky balsamic dressing that ties it all together. It’s hearty without feeling heavy, and the texture contrast is one of the best parts: tender farro against crunchy vegetables and smoky bacon.

It’s the kind of salad that works just as well for make-ahead lunches as it does for summer cookouts or potluck tables. Serve it over greens or enjoy it as is — it’s satisfying, colorful, and full of bold flavor.

What Is Farro?

Farro is an ancient whole grain made from wheat, prized for its naturally chewy texture and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It holds its shape beautifully when cooked, making it a great choice for salads, bowls, and hearty side dishes. Farro comes in three forms — whole, semi-pearled, and pearled — with pearled farro cooking the quickest and being the type most commonly found in American grocery stores.

Ingredient Notes

• Farro: Provides a chewy, hearty base; pearled farro cooks fastest and works well here.
• Tomatoes: Removing seeds keeps the salad from getting watery.
• Red onion: Adds sharp flavor and crunch.
• Green onions: Offer a milder, fresh onion note.
• Bacon: Adds smoky depth; use thick-cut bacon for the best texture.
• Parsley: Brightens the salad and balances the richness.
• Olive oil: A good-quality oil improves the flavor of the simple dressing.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds sweetness and acidity; choose a syrupy, flavorful one if available.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives bold flavor.
• Salad greens: Optional base to serve under the farro mixture.

Steps to Make Farro Salad

1. Cook the farro until tender, then drain and let it cool.
2. Combine the tomatoes, onions, bacon, and parsley in a serving bowl.
3. Add the cooled farro and toss gently to blend.
4. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
6. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
7. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean style. Add diced cucumber, feta, and olives for a fresh twist.
• Herb-forward salad. Stir in basil, mint, or dill for extra brightness.
• Roasted vegetable version. Mix in roasted zucchini, peppers, or eggplant.
• Citrus dressing. Replace balsamic with lemon juice and zest for a lighter flavor.
• Cheesy option. Add shaved Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a heartier main.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Pair with grilled vegetables or kebabs for a summery plate.
• Choose crusty bread or focaccia to round out the meal.
• Spoon alongside roasted meats or simple fish dishes.

Farro Salad

Diana Rattray

Chewy farro makes a fantastic salad, with tomatoes and a garlicky balsamic dressing adding zesty flavor.

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Servings 6 servings

Calories 374

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• 1 ½ cups farro, uncooked, about 10 ounces
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 fresh tomatoes, cored, seeds removed, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 6 strips bacon, cooked, drained on paper towels, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Dressing

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Salad greens for serving

Recommended Equipment

• 3-quart saucepan
• 3-quart colander

Instructions

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• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, farro, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Place the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until tender. Cook time varies by farro type—start checking at 20 minutes and continue cooking as needed. Drain thoroughly and then transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.
  1 1/2 cups farro | 4 cups water | 2 tsp kosher salt
• In a serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red and green onion, bacon, and parsley. Add the cooled farro with the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to blend ingredients.
  2 fresh tomatoes | 1/4 cup red onion | 2 green onions | 6 strips bacon | 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the balsamic vinegar, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, and salt, to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the farro and vegetables, and then stir to combine.
  4 tbsp olive oil | 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar | 1 clove garlic | 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper | Kosher salt
• Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
• Serve the salad over mixed salad greens.
  Salad greens for serving

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 936mgPotassium: 216mgFiber: 9gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword balsamic dressing, farro salad, garlic, grain salad, tomatoes

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