Farro Salad with Peas, Asparagus, and Feta

My Go-To Summer Salad: Farro with Peas, Asparagus, and Feta

Summer is my favorite time of year. The days are long and filled with sunshine, and the abundance of fresh produce makes cooking a true joy. One of my absolute favorite dishes to make during these warm months is a vibrant farro salad. It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a picnic, a light lunch, or a side dish at a barbecue. And honestly, it’s so easy to put together, even on a busy weeknight. I always keep the ingredients on hand because it's a meal I can whip up in a flash.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to your liking and what's in season. Sometimes I add different kinds of beans, like chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein and heartiness. Other times, I swap out the asparagus for other seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers or even roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier salad in the colder months. The beauty of this recipe is that it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses too – goat cheese would be lovely, and you can add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for some added crunch. I've found that even the pickiest eaters seem to enjoy this delicious salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

Beyond the Bowl: I often find myself making a double batch of this farro salad, as the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. It's perfect for meal prepping, saving you time and effort during the week. I'll pack it for lunch, knowing I have a healthy and satisfying meal ready to go. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even more flavorful. And it travels so well, so it’s always my go-to dish for potlucks and picnics.

A Taste of Tuscany: I first discovered farro on a trip to Tuscany. The earthy, nutty flavor of this ancient grain was a revelation to me. It’s incredibly nutritious and adds a delightful texture to salads. If you've never tried farro before, I highly encourage you to give it a go. You can typically find it in most supermarkets, and it’s well worth the search. The slight chewiness pairs beautifully with the crisp-tender vegetables and the creamy feta cheese. The overall experience is one of simple, wholesome goodness – the kind of meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Simple Summer Bliss: This farro salad isn't just a meal; it's a feeling. It embodies the relaxed vibe of summer – easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. It's the kind of dish that makes me appreciate the simple things in life and the bounty of fresh produce. It reminds me of long sunny afternoons spent outdoors, laughing with friends, and enjoying good food and good company. If you're looking for a healthy and delicious salad that captures the essence of summer, look no further. This farro salad is a true summer staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients you will need:

• 1 1/2 cups semi-pearled farro
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
• Asparagus
• Sugar snap peas
• Tomatoes
• Dill
• Feta cheese

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Cook farro in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. Transfer to large bowl.
• Meanwhile, cook asparagus and sugar snap peas in another saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Add to farro with tomatoes, onion, and dill.
• Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
• Add dressing and feta to salad; toss to coat and serve.