Farro Harvest Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this Farro Harvest Salad because it’s a perfect medley of flavors and textures, with the nutty farro, sweet apples, and roasted butternut squash creating a cozy autumn experience. Plus, the tangy apple cider vinegar dressing and crunchy pecans make it feel like a healthy, delicious hug in a bowl!

The salad of farro that I have harvested is a nutritious blend of ingredients that I love. There is the nutty flavor of farro cooked in vegetable broth; the sweetness of diced apples and maple syrup; the earthy touch of butternut squash.

It is not just a salad but also an amped-up side dish, what I like to call a salable. Because farro is a firm grain and holds up nicely, I managed to accomplish the role of a thrilling salad.

And I made sure this dish is packed with good-for-you ingredients.

Ingredients

Farro:
A nourishing grain, rich in fiber and protein, that delivers a delightful nutty flavor.

Butternut Squash:
Chock-full of vitamins A and C, it contributes sweetness and color.

Apple:
Delivers satisfying crispness and inherent sweetness, suffused with dietary fiber.

Dried Cranberries:
Tart and sweet, chewy, and high in antioxidants.

Pecans:
Include a satisfying crunch and a blend of healthy fats to amp up the texture.

Pumpkin Seeds:
Offer protein and magnesium, crunch and nutty.

Maple Syrup:
Sweetener derived from nature, which brings richness to taste.

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Illuminates tastes with zesty sourness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup farro
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a saucepan of medium size, mix together the farro and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the farro becomes tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If you notice any excess liquid, feel free to drain it. Once drained, set the farro aside to cool.

2. Your oven should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Take half a butternut squash and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

3. In a small bowl, combination whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the farro (which has been cooled), the roasted butternut squash, the diced apple, and the other ingredients: dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and pumpkin seeds.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients to make sure they are evenly coated.

6. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper.

7. If it is being used, the crumbled goat cheese should be folded in gently.

8. Move the salad to a bowl intended for serving.

9. Garnish with parsley that is fresh.

10. The Farro Harvest Salad can be served at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Oven
7. Baking sheet
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Small bowl
10. Whisk
11. Spatula or wooden spoon
12. Serving bowl

FAQ

• Can I use a different grain instead of farro?Indeed, farro can be replaced with quinoa, and these two grains have comparable cooking times. For barley and brown rice, while they can substitute for farro, they don’t have nearly the same nutritional profile. Is that alright?
• Is there a substitute for butternut squash?This salad can be made using sweet potatoes or pumpkin instead of butternut squash.
• How do I make this salad vegan?Omit the goat cheese and vegan cheese alternative.
• Can this salad be made ahead of time?Certainly, the salad can be prepared ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator and require the addition of fresh parsley only right before the dish is served.
• What are some serving suggestions for this salad?The Farro Harvest Salad can be a side dish or a main course. It works well alongside roasted chicken and is an excellent addition to a holiday buffet.
• How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?Adding depth to the salad’s flavor can be done by toasting the pecans and the pumpkin seeds.
• Can I add protein to this salad?For an extra boost of protein, you might try adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even roasted tofu.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup farro: Substitute with quinoa or barley for a different grain texture.
1 medium apple, diced: For a unique twist, use pear or firm persimmon.
1 cup butternut squash: Use sweet potato or pumpkin cubes.
1/4 cup chopped pecans: Substitute walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese: Use feta cheese or omit it for a dairy-free alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Farro Before cooking the farro, consider toasting it in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the farro and adds an extra layer of taste to your salad.

2. Roast the Apple If you prefer a deeper flavor for the apples, you can roast them along with the butternut squash. This will caramelize the apples slightly and enhance their natural sweetness, complementing the other ingredients in the salad.

3. Dressing Addition To ensure every bite is flavorful, add half of the dressing to the farro while it’s still slightly warm. This allows the grains to absorb the flavors better. Then, toss the remaining dressing with the entire salad just before serving.

4. Optimize Texture For added crunch, lightly toast the pecans and pumpkin seeds in a pan before adding them to the salad. This helps to release their oils and enhances their flavor, adding a pleasant crunch to the dish.

5. Season Throughout Season the salad layers as you prepare them—for example, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the roasted squash, the cooked farro, and the dressing. Building layers of seasoning will elevate the overall taste of your salad.