Discover a delightful twist on your typical salad with our Balsamic Farro Salad with Figs! This Italian-inspired dish combines the nutty flavor of farro with the sweetness of fresh figs and the creaminess of feta cheese, creating a symphony of taste and texture that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a stunning side for your next dinner party, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Ready to elevate your salad game? Dive into this recipe and impress your guests with a dish that looks as good as it tastes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh figs, quartered
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes until the farro is tender but still has a slight chewy texture.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified.
- Once the farro is cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- Transfer the slightly cooled farro to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared balsamic dressing over the farro and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Carefully fold in the quartered fresh figs, ensuring they are distributed throughout the salad.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, gently mixing to integrate without breaking the cheese too much.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinse the Farro: Don’t skip rinsing the farro! This step removes any debris and excess starch, ensuring a better texture for your salad.
- Cook to Perfection: Keep an eye on the farro while it cooks. You want it tender yet chewy; overcooking can lead to a mushy salad.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to tweak the balsamic dressing to suit your taste. Adding a touch of honey or Dijon mustard can enhance the flavor profile.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes!
- Serve at Room Temperature: While this salad is refreshing when chilled, serving it at room temperature can enhance the flavors even more.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad for extra protein.
- Leftover Magic: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 259kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 13mg
