Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the delightful world of our Farro Salad with Grilled Asparagus! This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of farro with the smoky essence of perfectly grilled asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a wholesome meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you'll have a stunning dish that not only pleases the palate but also impresses your guests. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Farro
- Asparagus, trimmed
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Red onion, diced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any dust or impurities.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the farro is tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool.
- Once the farro is cooked, drain any excess water and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
- While the farro cools, chop the grilled asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped asparagus to the bowl with the farro.
- Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the farro salad.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the farro and vegetables.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the farro salad at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Farro: For the best texture, make sure to rinse the farro thoroughly to remove any impurities. Keep an eye on it while it simmers; you want it tender yet chewy.
- Grilling Asparagus: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, ensure your grill is preheated. Tossing the asparagus in olive oil before grilling enhances its flavor and prevents sticking.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to get creative with the dressing! Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish even further. A touch of garlic or Dijon mustard can also add a nice kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the farro and grill the asparagus in advance, then combine everything just before serving for a quick and easy dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 294kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 9g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
