Welcome to a culinary celebration that captures the essence of autumn in every bite! Our Festive Fall Farro Salad with Kale, Cranberries, Pecans, and Goat Cheese is not just a dish; it's a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful side dish during the holiday season. With its nutty farro, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your fall dining experience? Let’s dive into how to create this deliciously festive salad!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the farro under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any dust or impurities.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender and chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the kale. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped kale. Drizzle with a little olive oil and massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.
- Once the farro is cooked, drain any excess water if necessary and allow it to cool slightly. Then, add the farro to the bowl with the massaged kale.
- Add the dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the bowl with the farro and kale. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the farro salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad. Gently toss again to incorporate the cheese without breaking it down too much.
- Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional pecans or goat cheese if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Farro: Always rinse farro under cold water before cooking to remove any dust or impurities, ensuring a cleaner taste and texture.
- Perfectly Cooked Farro: Keep an eye on the farro as it simmers. You want it tender yet chewy—check it around the 25-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Massage the Kale: Don’t skip the step of massaging the kale! This not only tenderizes the leaves but also enhances their flavor, making the salad more enjoyable.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes for pecans, adding a unique twist to the salad.
- Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing before pouring it over the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld together, resulting in a more harmonious dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Garnish with extra pecans or goat cheese for an added touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
