Mediterranean Farro Salad Bowls with Olives
A vibrant, hearty salad brimming with the flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring chewy farro, briny olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Total: 45 minPrep: 20 minCook: 25 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1 Rinse the farro under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2 In a medium pot, combine farro and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until tender.
- 3 Drain any excess water and let the farro cool.
- 4 In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cooled farro.
- 5 Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- 6 Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
- 7 Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
Variations
- Add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Substitute quinoa for farro for a gluten-free option.
Substitutions
- If farro is unavailable, use barley or another hearty grain.
Pairings
- Grilled lemon herb chicken
- Warm pita bread
- A crisp white wine
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
18g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
10g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
500mg sodium
Tips
- For a warm salad, serve immediately after tossing with vinaigrette.
- Add grilled chicken for a protein boost if desired.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently if desired.
Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve with warm pita bread on the side.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day ahead. Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.