Are you tired of boring, predictable salads that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with this mouthwatering Chicken Farro Salad Board that combines hearty grains, succulent chicken, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors! This isn't just a salad – it's a vibrant, nutritious masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline while keeping you full and energized.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the farro. Rinse 1 cup of farro under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dust or debris. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the farro simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set the farro aside to cool slightly.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the chicken. If you haven't already cooked the chicken breast, you can boil, grill, or bake it until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced olives. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the farro salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Transfer the farro salad to a large serving board or platter. You can arrange it in a colorful manner, grouping the ingredients for a visually appealing presentation.
- Optionally, garnish the salad board with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the Chicken Farro Salad Board at room temperature or chilled. It can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Farro Perfection: Rinse your farro thoroughly and don't overcook – you want a slightly chewy texture that provides a delightful bite.
- Chicken Preparation: For maximum flavor, consider seasoning your chicken with herbs like oregano or thyme before cooking.
- Dressing Hack: Make your dressing ahead of time and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Presentation Matters: Use a large wooden board or platter and arrange ingredients in colorful, separate sections for a stunning visual appeal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference – try adding roasted red peppers, swap feta for goat cheese, or add some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
