Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey with the legendary Charlie Bird Farro Salad - a dish that has taken the foodie world by storm! This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired creation is not just a salad; it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply someone who loves incredible taste, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the farro is tender but still has a slight bite. Avoid overcooking.
- Drain the cooked farro in a colander and let it cool to room temperature. You can spread it on a baking sheet to help it cool faster.
- While the farro is cooling, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the salad and give a final gentle mix.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer a cold salad.
Tips
- Farro Perfection: Always rinse your farro thoroughly and avoid overcooking. The ideal texture is tender yet slightly chewy.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the herbs and vegetables. The quality of your ingredients will make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar are well combined, creating a smooth, flavorful coating.
- Cooling Strategy: Spread the cooked farro on a baking sheet to cool faster and prevent clumping. This helps maintain the salad's light, separate texture.
- Serving Suggestion: While delicious at room temperature, chilling the salad for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and make it incredibly refreshing.
- Customization: Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial main course.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and actually tastes better after the flavors have melded for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
