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Farro Salad Feta

Farro Salad Feta

An earthy, nutty farro salad with sharp, salty feta, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. This satisfying dish is perfect for a light lunch or side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 200 g pearled farro rinsed
  • 1 large cucumber about 300g, diced
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small red onion very finely sliced
  • 60 g fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 20 g fresh mint finely chopped
  • 150 g block of feta cheese crumbled
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
  • 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • Genuine Flavour: The earthy nutty taste of the farro provides a beautiful canvas for the sharp, salty feta and the fresh crunch of cucumber. The lemon-herb vinaigrette ties it all together with a bright, clean finish that isn't overpowering.
  • Ready in Under 45 Minutes: The entire dish comes together in about 40 minutes and most of that is hands-off time while the grain cooks. It’s very manageable for a weeknight.
  • Flexible Recipe: This salad is a brilliant base for customisation. You can add a tin of drained chickpeas for extra protein and fibre toss in some Kalamata olives for a brinier kick, or add some roasted red peppers for a touch of smoky sweetness.
  • Great for Meal Prep: It works beautifully for make-ahead lunches. The ingredients are sturdy and won't wilt and the flavours actually meld and improve after a day in the fridge.
  • Family Tested: This salad always gets compliments when we have guests over. My husband who is usually sceptical of grain salads, asks for this one specifically for his work lunches.

Method
 

  1. Cook the Farro: Place the rinsed farro in a medium saucepan. Add 750ml of water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still has a pleasant chew.
  2. Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain any excess water from the farro and transfer it to a large salad bowl. Fluff it with a fork and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This is important as it prevents the hot grain from wilting the fresh herbs and vegetables.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the farro is cooking and cooling, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely slice the red onion. Finely chop the parsley and mint.
  4. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. What works best for me is making the dressing in a jar; it's less washing up and stores easily.
  5. Combine the Salad: To the bowl of cooled farro, add the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped herbs. Pour over about three-quarters of the dressing and toss gently to combine everything thoroughly.
  6. Add the Feta: Gently crumble the block of feta over the salad. Give it one final, gentle toss. Taste and add the remaining dressing if you feel it needs it, along with any extra salt or pepper.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld together. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad is great for meal prep as the flavors meld and improve after a day in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.