Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one forkful - our Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Basil is exactly that magical culinary experience! This vibrant, nutritious salad isn't just a side dish; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and wholesome eating that will revolutionize your meal prep. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone seeking a quick, delicious recipe that impresses, this Italian-inspired salad promises to be your new favorite go-to dish that's as easy to make as it is delectable.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or dust.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the farro with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still has a slight bite. The grains should be plump and slightly split.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Once the farro is cooked, drain any excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Allow the farro to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil to the cooled farro.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the farro mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Farro Cooking Secrets: Always rinse your farro thoroughly and use a 1:3 ratio of grain to water for perfect texture. Don't overcook - you want those grains pleasantly chewy!
- Tomato and Basil Magic: Use the ripest cherry tomatoes and freshest basil for maximum flavor. If possible, choose heirloom cherry tomatoes for an extra flavor punch.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk your olive oil and balsamic vinegar vigorously to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every grain evenly.
- Flavor Enhancing Tip: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to develop fully.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
