Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that captures the essence of spring in every single bite - a culinary masterpiece that's not just a side dish, but a star attraction on your plate! This Minty Pea Farro Spring Salad is your ticket to a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. With its perfect balance of chewy farro, sweet fresh peas, tangy feta, and bright mint, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the farro with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Cook the farro for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the grains are tender but still have a slight chewy texture. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the fresh peas by briefly blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the blanched peas to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Once the farro has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the blanched peas, freshly chopped mint leaves, and crumbled feta cheese to the farro.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- • For the best texture, choose pearled farro which cooks faster and more evenly than whole grain varieties. • When blanching peas, use a timer to ensure they remain bright green and crisp-tender - overcooking will make them mushy. • Use fresh mint leaves for maximum flavor impact; dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant taste. • Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully. • For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas. • Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure perfect salt and pepper balance. • This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
