Simple Farro Salad
This simple farro salad with herbs, nuts and Parmesan cheese makes for an easy, healthy side dish using basic, on-hand ingredients.
Yield: 4 -6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) bag quick-cooking farro (see notes)
- 4-5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (or sub pecans or slivered almonds)
- ¼ fresh cup parsley, finely chopped
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook farro according to package directions, using vegetable or chicken broth. (I bring my broth to a boil in a large pan, add the farro and let it boil, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes. Then I drain the excess liquid.)
- Place cooked farro in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Farro: I love the quick-cooking farro because it's so quick and easy. (I get a bag at Trader Joe's that takes just 10 minutes.) You can also substitute regular farro, just be sure to follow the instructions on the package to adjust the cooking time.
Broth: Cooking the farro in broth adds extra flavor. You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth. I recommend low-sodium. You can also substitute water if needed.
Nuts: Walnuts are my go-to for this salad, but pecans or slivered almonds would also work. And you can definitely buy the chopped kind at the grocery store. They are much cheaper than the whole, intact nuts.
Red pepper flakes: You can adjust this to your liking, using a little more for some extra heat, or a little less to tone down the heat.
Parmesan cheese: Some fresh Parmesan cheese on top - grated or shaved - really takes this side dish over the top. It's listed as optional, but I highly recommend using it if you have some. You could also try it with goat cheese!
Leftovers: Leftovers, once cooled, will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding some extra lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil if needed to "wake" it up back up again.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 6g
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