I know it must seem that we use kale a lot but our Warm Tuscan Farro Salad wouldn’t be the same without kale.
Warm Tuscan Farro Salad
Spinach has a tendency to wilt a bit as well as arugula. So, when we’re making a dish that is warm and includes a green leafy vegetable — we want that vegetable to hold up.
I suppose it would be like me being in the South — middle of summer — no A/C. I wouldn’t just wilt, I would be a puddle on the floor. That’s the way baby spinach or arugula would be in this dish. There are fruits and vegetables, as well as people, who thrive in the heat and humidity — I’m NOT one of them. Nope! I’m a wimp. A whining Italian is NOT a pretty sight, and believe me, the audio is even worse!!
Warm Tuscan Farro Salad
Our Warm Tuscan Farro Salad was supposed to be posted two weeks ago but then electronics got in the way. You know how bad things are supposed to go in threes? Well, I think we passed it. Now, I can’t say anything was earth shattering — just inconvenient. . . things that had to be taken care of.
But that is a story for another time.
Warm Tuscan Farro Salad
This Warm Tuscan Farro Salad is delicious served warm but it is also good cold. We had some left over and we thought it tasted wonderful. We like using farro — its dense, nutty, chewy texture stands up well to whatever dressing or sauce we put on it. Along with tasting great it is high in fiber and much more healthful than white rice. Farro is an ancient grain that now has enjoyed a comeback. At first it was a little difficult to find but it is fairly easy to find in the grocery stores.
Farro is now a staple in our pantry.
Mangia bene; Vive bene { Eat well; Live well}
Alla prossima.
Warm Tuscan Farro Salad
Ingredients
For the Farro Boil
- 3 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups semi-pearled dry farro rinsed (12 oz.) This is to prevent farro grains from sticking, rinse away excess starch under cool water before cooking.
Sauté
- 1/2 cup sliced shallots
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 7 cups chopped kale 10 oz.**
- 1/4 cup chicken beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup shaved pecorino 1.5 oz.
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Vinaigrette, Whisk
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper q.b. quanto basta to taste
Instructions
- For the farro: boil 3 1/4 cups water ad 1/2 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Add the rinsed farro, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, 15-20 minutes; remove from heat ad drain any excess water.
- Sauté shallots, garlic, and pepper flakes in 1 Tablespoon oil in a sauté pan over medium-heat, 1 minute. Stir in kale and 1/4 cup broth; cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in farro, pecorino, and zest.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together basil, 1/4 cup oil, and lemon juice; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss salad with vinaigrette to coat.
Notes
- ** We buy organic Tuscan kale from Trader Joe -- it's already cleaned and in torn pieces.
- Adapted from the Tuscan Farro Salad recipe in the Cuisine at Home Issue: 98 March/April 2013
Nutrition
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Heather says
This is the perfect salad for summer! I love farro and we eat a lot of light meals when the summer heat really starts to kick in. I love that this can be eaten warm or cold and the flavor combination sounds amazing
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Heather! Sometimes I feel like I’m making just farro recipes — we just like it so much.
Michele says
That salad looks mouth-watering! It’s simply gorgeous. Looks so fresh, healthy and delish!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Michele! It is a great recipe any time of year. It’s great on a picnic.
Amanda Mason says
This recipe looks amazing! I love all these ingredients! I’m all about kale so keep all the kale coming! What a perfect side dish for so many mains! Love the flavor in this dish!
Sri Mallya says
I have never tried farro before. Your recipe sounds so flavorful. Perfect for summer. Thank you so much for sharing this healthy salad.
elcitrakale says
İ am not familiar with farro here. Can İ use pearl couscous or whole wheat bulgur? this salad sounds fantastic to entertain my famliy
Marisa Franca says
Absolutely! I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. The taste is great and it is so good for you!! Let me know how it turns out.
Kim @ Berly's Kitchen says
A warm farro salad would be so good for today’s lunch. I’ve been craving something light for summer and this would be perfect!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Kim! It is a great salad and it’s also great cold too if you have any left over.
Karyl Henry says
I love farro, but I always seem to run out of ways to use it. This looks like a perfect new dish! I love the mix of flavors, especially that you add hearty kale. What a great one-two nutrition punch
prasanna hede says
This salad looks like a complete meal,definitely perfect for dinner or lunch too.So many wonderful flavors.
Veena Azmanov says
This would be a meal for me. I love having scrumptious salads like this, especially now that the weather is so hot and humid. This looks so light and refreshing. I love kale very much. Going to have to try this soon.
Shanna Jones says
Absolutely loving all of the fresh ingredients! And the texture of farro is one of my favorites. Great recipe idea! With the heat here in Houston, this would be great cold.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Shanna! It is terrific cold. Stay cool and have a great 4th of July!!
Jenni LeBaron says
This looks fantastic. I especially love all those juicy, blistered tomatoes!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Jenni! They taste wonderful!!
Gloria says
Wow what a great “full meal” salad. I love all the flavours happening here. This would be a great dinner any night of the week. Farro is under used…and that reminds me I need to make some soon. Love the texture and nutty flavour.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Gloria! It is flavorful and nutritious!!
Veena Azmanov says
This looks so refreshing and light. I love kale and am always looking for ways to eat them. This farro salad would be a perfect dinner for me. I love such light meals for dinner.
Sandra says
I like the idea of serving this salad cold for either a potluck or packing it up for my husband and me to take to work for lunch! The ingredients for vinaigrette are so fresh and light…perfect!
Denise Wright says
Oh this looks so delicious! I was just watching Top Chef and someone made a warm Farro salad and I thought I have to try that (I’ve never had farro before). Wonderful post!
Simply Suzannes at Home says
Oh, yum!
I love farro! I had it for the first time last Winter when I found a recipe for Farro Stew. I love its heartiness and nutty flavor!
Your salad looks and sounds delicious! Just the thought of shaved Parmesan and warm farro makes my mouth water . . . and then add all the other goodies – and it looks like you have a winner!
I’ll need to print this and make it soon!
Thanks for sharing, sweet Lady!
Hope you’re having a great start to your week,
Suzanne
Marisa Franca says
Please send some of your wonderful sunshine to our state. I think it is gone!! Let me know how you like the salad. I’m making some of your refreshing drinks this week.
Thistle says
Not a big fan of the heat here in Kentucky either, but I’d make sure the house was freezing if you’d come make one of those salads! Great job!!!
Jovina Coughlin says
I am glad you recovered from technology limbo and you are back to posting.I really like cooking with farro and prefer it to other grains. Your recipe looks delicious – definitelyeating well/ living well
Ciao Chow Linda says
I’m like you – I can’t take the heat either. I’d love this wonderful looking farro salad either hot or cold. I’ve got lots of kale in my garden and this will be one of the recipes I use it in. Thanks for the idea.
Marisa Franca says
How great that you’ve got kale in your garden — I imagine you’ve got some great tomato plants too. Lots of good recipes for kale — it’s a good thing because it’s a hearty plant.