Mediterranean Farro Salad with Tomato, Feta, and Parsley 🌿🍅

This refreshing Mediterranean farro salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! The nuttiness of farro pairs beautifully with the juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and vibrant parsley, creating a dish that’s perfect as a side or a light lunch. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or enjoying a cozy dinner, this salad is sure to delight your palate. Add a splash of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra burst of flavor! 🍋✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 cup of farro
• 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 clove of garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the farro: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the farro and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the farro is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and red onion.

🥗 Make sure to chop the veggies uniformly to give your salad a pleasing look and texture.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined.

4. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad, and gently toss to combine. Crumble the feta cheese on top and mix again lightly.

5. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

🧂 Feta cheese is salty, so go easy on the salt until you’ve tasted your salad!

6. Chill and serve: Allow the salad to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

• Add some protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal! 🍗🌱
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor! 🥜
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili for a bit of heat! 🌶️
• Herb swap: Feel free to replace parsley with fresh basil or mint for a different flavor profile! 🌿

This Mediterranean farro salad is not only versatile but also a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a flavorful way. Enjoy every bite! 😋