salads italian

Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herb Vinaigrette

Name: Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herb Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Farro (pearled farro cooks faster); 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 large Cucumber (diced); 0.5 medium Red onion (finely diced); 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled (optional)); 5 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp Lemon juice; 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar; 0.5 cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped); 0.25 cup Fresh basil (finely chopped); 1 clove Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Chewy farro meets summer vegetables in a bright herb dressing. A satisfying grain salad perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

vegetarian

More Recipes

Prep 15 min

Cook 30 min

Total 45 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook farro: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil (like pasta). Add farro, reduce heat, simmer 25-30 minutes until chewy but tender. Drain and spread on a sheet pan to cool slightly.
Make vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Add warm farro to vinaigrette and toss. Let sit 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Add tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently.
Top with crumbled feta if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it excellent for meal prep. Farro maintains its chewy texture even after several days. Add extra vinaigrette and fresh herbs before serving leftovers.

Variations

Winter Farro Salad: Replace tomatoes and cucumber with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans for a fall/winter version.
Farro Salad with Mozzarella: Add torn fresh mozzarella and swap basil for the main herb for a caprese-inspired grain salad.
Farro Salad with Tuna: Add a can of drained tuna and capers for a protein-packed Mediterranean lunch.

FAQ

Is farro salad good for meal prep?

Farro is one of the best grains for meal prep. Unlike rice, it maintains its chewy texture for days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as the farro absorbs the vinaigrette.

Can you eat farro salad cold?

Yes—farro salad is meant to be served at room temperature or cold. Cold farro has more resistant starch, which is beneficial for gut health and blood sugar management.

What's the difference between farro and barley?

Farro is an ancient wheat variety with a nuttier, slightly sweeter flavor. Barley is chewier and more neutral-tasting. Both are excellent whole grains for salads. Farro holds its shape better, while barley releases more starch.

The Story Behind This Dish

Once you master this farro salad, you can adapt it endlessly. The structure—chewy grain + crunchy vegetables + bright dressing—works with any combination.

This version uses summer vegetables, but the framework adapts to all seasons.