The exploding popularity of traditional and ancient grains in recent years has brought with it an abundance of new options for delicious (and hearty!) salads. I love adding barley or quinoa to just about anything and recently discovered the fantastic nuttiness of farro. Once a mainstay of health food stores, this ancient relative of wheat is now widely available in grocery stores (I love Bob’s Red Mill) and is a fun addition to soups, stews, or salads. I’ve really been loving it lately in salads, and this Farro Salad with Arugula in particular.
Adapted from a recipe by Chef Ryan Hardy and the Charlie Bird Restaurant in New York, this salad is easy to make and full of great flavor. I love it for a hearty lunch but it is even great for a light dinner. The farro is best when made a little ahead and chilled and then mixed with fresh arugula, tomatoes, salty shaved parmesan, radishes and vinaigrette. It is studded with pistachios for a great little crunch. If you keep the arugula and dressing out until you’re ready to serve, the recipe is a perfect prepare ahead lunch option for the whole week!

Farro Salad with Arugula
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios nuts only
- 2 cups arugula or arugula/spinach mix
- 1 cup parsley or basil leaves torn
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ¾ cup halved grape tomatoes
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced radish
Instructions
For the Farro:
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Check your brand's package instructions. Most farro requires a cooking ratio of 1 cup grain to 3 cups liquid. Adjust recipe as necessary.
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In a medium sauce pain, combine farro, apple cider, bay leaves, salt, and water.
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Bring to a boil and then simmer until tender and the liquid is evaporated, approximately 30 min.
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Discard the bay leaves.
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Set the farro aside to cool.
For the Dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and a small pinch of salt.
For the Salad:
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In a large bowl, toss together the farro with dressing, cheese, and nuts. Just before serving, add the arugula, fresh herbs, tomatoes and radish and fold to combine.
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Add a pinch of salt to taste.
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Serve immediately.
This looks super yummy!
I’ve never used farro before, look delicious though!
That sounds so good. I’ve never cooked with Faro. This inspires me.
Farro is great-you should definitely try it!
Love arugula and will have to try the farrow.
This looks absolutely delicious . Would love to try it.
Thanks!
Yum! I’ve had quinoa in salad before but never farrow. I’ll have to try it next time. 🙂
I actually like farro better than quinoa, its a little sturdier and nuttier!
I love a good arugula salad! This one sounds amaze!
Thank you Jasmine! I am really getting into arugula as well!
Wow, this salad looks incredible. Also, your pictures are beautiful – such bright colors! I can’t wait to give this a try.
Thank you! We’ve been SO enjoying learning photography!
This looks so good and will be in my lunchbox for the days I have to eat at my desk!
This salad looks amazing! I don’t normally use farro but will have to check it out!
It was a great surprise when I first tried it-yum!
This looks AMAZING. I love it!! I will be trying this for lunch soon!
Meghan | BeyondBasicBlog.com
Thanks! Enjoy!
I have not had farros yet though I have tried other healthy grains. Your salad looks so yum.
Thanks so much! Definitely give it a try – farro is such a great fall grain!
Oh wow, I love farro and this looks so perfect for fall! Can’t wait to try it 🙂
Enjoy!
Perfect for fall!
This looks terrific! I could eat arugula every single day.
This looks fresh! I love arugula and all those veggies in there.
We sure do love veggies!
when do you add the mint leaves?
Just before serving, fold them in! SO good!