Warm Farro Salad with Fig Vinaigrette: A Nutritious Meal Ready in 30 Minutes
Warm Farro Salad with Fig Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This dish features wholesome farro tossed with crunchy radicchio, creamy goat cheese, and delightful pistachios, all dressed in a sweet and tangy fig vinaigrette. It’s a nourishing meal that can be enjoyed warm or prepared ahead of time for a quick lunch.
Why You’ll Love It
This warm farro salad packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Farro is a whole grain that is high in fiber, making it great for digestion. The combination of fresh ingredients like radicchio and goat cheese provides essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the fig vinaigrette adds a unique sweetness that makes this salad stand out. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or to impress guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups radicchio, chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fig jam
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you don’t have farro, you can use quinoa or barley as alternatives. For a burst of flavor, try adding diced apples or pears instead of radicchio. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta cheese or blue cheese can be great substitutes. As for nuts, walnuts or almonds can offer a different crunch.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Farro
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the farro to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the farro is tender. Once cooked, drain the farro and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Fig Vinaigrette
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig jam, salt, and pepper. This tangy vinaigrette brings together the different flavors of the salad.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked farro with chopped radicchio, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the fig vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
You can serve the warm farro salad right away, or let it cool and refrigerate for easy meal prep lunches.
Success Tips
- Temperature: The farro should be cooked until it’s tender, but not mushy.
- Texture: Make sure to combine the salad gently to keep the goat cheese in distinct crumbles.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the farro; it can turn slimy if too soft. Make sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper in the vinaigrette.
How to Serve
Warm Farro Salad with Fig Vinaigrette is delicious as a main dish or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also great served cold as a refreshing lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to eat it warm, simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. Keep in mind that the nuts may lose their crunch upon reheating, so you might want to add fresh pistachios just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners.
Q: Is farro gluten-free?
A: No, farro is not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, try quinoa or rice.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and cheese can change after freezing.
Q: How do I make the vinaigrette sweeter?
A: You can add more fig jam or a little honey to enhance the sweetness.
Q: What else can I add to this salad?
A: Consider adding roasted vegetables, avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for additional flavor.
Nutrition Notes
Farro is a nutrient-dense grain packed with fiber, protein, and various vitamins. It makes this salad a filling option, perfect for those looking to eat healthily.
Conclusion
This Warm Farro Salad with Fig Vinaigrette is not just a meal; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s simple to make, beautiful to serve, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Give it a try for your next lunch or dinner!
Links to Related Recipes
Warm Farro Salad with Fig Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup farro Whole grain high in fiber
- 2 cups water For cooking farro
- 2 cups radicchio, chopped Provides crunch and flavor
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled For creaminess
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped Adds a nutty flavor and crunch
Fig Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil Base of the vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Adds tanginess
- 2 tablespoons fig jam Provides sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the farro to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the farro is tender. Drain and let it cool.
Make the Fig Vinaigrette
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fig jam, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked farro with chopped radicchio, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pistachios.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the fig vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
Serve
- Serve the warm salad right away, or let it cool and refrigerate for meal prep.