Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your meal prep with this mouthwatering Cranberry Farro Chicken Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Packed with hearty farro, tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this recipe is a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor that will have you coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro, cooked
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook farro according to package instructions: Rinse farro thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup farro with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender but still chewy.
- While farro is cooking, prepare chicken breasts. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once farro is cooked, drain any excess water and let cool to room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled farro, diced chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over the salad, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss all ingredients until well combined.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Farro Perfection: Rinse your farro thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch and ensure a perfectly chewy texture.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
- Toasting Tip: When toasting walnuts, keep a close eye and stir frequently to prevent burning. The moment you smell a nutty aroma, they're ready!
- Flavor Enhancer: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap walnuts for almonds or add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
