If you’re craving a fresh, wholesome dish that bursts with texture and bright flavors, you’re going to love this Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula. It’s a vibrant combination of nutty farro grains, crisp apple slices, and peppery arugula, all brought together with a zesty dressing that wakes up your taste buds. This salad strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light, making it an ideal option for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. Plus, it’s as healthy as it is delicious, packing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Delight: Farro provides a nutty, chewy base that’s rich in fiber and protein to keep you energized.
- Fresh Flavor Burst: Crisp apples and peppery arugula create a refreshing contrast, elevating the salad with natural sweetness and spice.
- Versatile and Easy: This salad is simple to prepare and easy to customize, making it a perfect go-to for any season.
- Bright and Colorful: The vibrant greens, reds, and earthy grains make this salad as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether as a side or a main, Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula fits seamlessly into breakfasts, lunches, or dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting a Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula means gathering simple, fresh ingredients that each play a critical role in flavor, texture, and color. These elements work harmoniously to deliver a well-rounded, satisfying bite every time.
- Farro: Look for pearled farro, which cooks faster and has a lovely chewy texture that forms the salad’s hearty base.
- Apples: Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to add crunch and a hint of tartness.
- Arugula: Peppery and fresh, arugula adds a beautiful green pop and a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the apples.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring warmth, crunch, and a rich nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with farro.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta introduces creamy saltiness that ties all the ingredients together.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole salad with a tangy burst.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, adding a smooth, fruity undertone.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
Variations for Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula
This salad’s recipe is a fantastic foundation, and the best part is how easy it is to customize based on what you have, or your specific tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
- Grain Swap: Substitute farro with quinoa or barley for a different texture or a gluten-free option.
- Nut Alternatives: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for different nutty notes.
- Dressing Twist: Swap honey for maple syrup or add a dash of Dijon mustard for a tangier vinaigrette.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or roasted beets for increased color and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Replace feta with goat cheese or omit cheese entirely for a vegan-friendly salad.
How to Make Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Start by rinsing the farro under cold water, then boil it in salted water until tender but still chewy — usually about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the farro cools, slice the apples thinly, chop the walnuts roughly and toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance their flavor. Thinly slice the red onion and rinse the arugula thoroughly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, apple slices, arugula, red onion, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld, then serve immediately, or refrigerate it for a chilled refreshing option later in the day.
Pro Tips for Making Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula
- Perfectly Cooked Farro: Avoid overcooking farro to keep its pleasing chewy texture.
- Apple Prep: Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice in the dressing for your preferred sweet-tart balance.
- Toasted Nuts: Toast walnuts just before mixing to maintain their crunch and aroma.
- Make It Ahead: For best texture, add arugula just before serving to avoid wilting.
How to Serve Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula
Garnishes
Top your salad with freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra walnuts, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added fragrance and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making a light yet fulfilling meal, or serve it alongside crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars for easy on-the-go meals, or arrange it over a bed of mixed greens on a large platter for a colorful, inviting centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, add arugula and dressing just before serving leftover portions.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the apples and arugula will lose their texture and turn mushy.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm salad, gently reheat just the farro portion, then toss it with fresh apples, arugula, and dressing after warming to preserve the salad’s crispness and flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this salad?
Absolutely! While crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith work best for contrast, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will add a different flavor twist that’s still delicious.
Is farro gluten-free?
Farro contains gluten since it is a type of wheat, so it’s not suitable for gluten-free diets. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with quinoa or millet.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator without arugula or dressing, the salad lasts up to 3 days. Add fresh arugula and dressing just before serving to keep it crisp.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative, and replace honey with maple syrup to keep it entirely plant-based.
What can I pair with Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula for a complete meal?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetable stew for a balanced, nutritious meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and exciting. This Farro Salad with Apple & Arugula delivers on that promise with every bite. Whether you’re looking to refresh your lunch routine or impress guests at your next gathering, this salad is a delicious, versatile choice that’s easy to love. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite healthy dish!