Are you ready to transform your holiday table with a mouthwatering vegan dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Vegan Holiday Farro Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines wholesome grains, vibrant vegetables, and a tantalizing dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and plant-based enthusiasts, this salad is about to become your new go-to holiday showstopper that proves vegan cuisine can be absolutely delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the farro under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dust or impurities. This step ensures the grains are clean and ready for cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the rinsed farro to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the farro simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the grains are tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the red onion and chop the parsley. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This will create a delicious dressing for your salad.
- Once the farro is cooked, remove it from the heat and drain any excess broth if necessary. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the farro mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Vegan Holiday Farro Salad at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse farro thoroughly to remove any dust and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking farro to add extra depth and richness.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- For best texture, choose plump, fresh cherry tomatoes that are firm and brightly colored.
- Feel free to add toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch and protein.
- This salad can be made a day ahead, which actually helps the flavors intensify overnight.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique flavor twist.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most robust and complex dressing possible.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
