## Cherry Farro Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette: A Burst of Summer Flavor
Summer is the season for fresh, vibrant salads that are both satisfying and refreshing. This Cherry Farro Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette perfectly embodies the spirit of summer, combining the chewy texture of farro with the sweet burst of cherries, the crunch of nuts, and the salty tang of feta, all tossed in a light and zesty homemade vinaigrette. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and wholesome meal or side dish.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or a light dinner, this Cherry Farro Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delightful summer salad.
### Why You’ll Love This Cherry Farro Salad
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet cherries, salty feta, crunchy nuts, and chewy farro creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Nutrient-Packed:** Farro is a whole grain rich in fiber, protein, and iron. Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Feta adds calcium and protein. This salad is a nutritional powerhouse!
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking and preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this salad by adding different fruits, vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.
* **Perfect for Summer:** This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying outdoors on a warm summer day.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Salad:**
* 1 cup farro, rinsed
* 2 cups water or vegetable broth
* 1 pint fresh cherries, pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Optional additions: baby spinach or arugula, cucumber, grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
**For the Sweet Vinaigrette:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
### Equipment You’ll Need
* Medium saucepan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Cook the Farro:**
* Rinse the farro under cold water to remove any debris.
* In a medium saucepan, combine the farro and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the farro is tender and the liquid is absorbed. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of farro you use (pearled, semi-pearled, or whole grain). Pearled farro will cook faster than whole grain farro. Check the package instructions for specific cooking times.
* Once cooked, fluff the farro with a fork and let it cool slightly.
**2. Prepare the Cherries and Other Ingredients:**
* Wash and pit the cherries. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size. If you’re using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
* Chop the red onion and fresh parsley. You can soak the chopped red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out its flavor.
* Toast the pecans or walnuts. To toast them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them!
**3. Make the Sweet Vinaigrette:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more maple syrup or honey for a sweeter vinaigrette, or more lemon juice for a tangier vinaigrette.
**4. Assemble the Salad:**
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, halved cherries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
* Pour the sweet vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or vinaigrette.
**5. Chill and Serve:**
* Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad also helps to keep it fresh and prevents the feta cheese from melting.
* Serve the Cherry Farro Salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra feta cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
### Tips and Variations
* **Type of Farro:** You can use pearled, semi-pearled, or whole grain farro for this recipe. Pearled farro cooks the fastest, while whole grain farro takes the longest to cook and has a nuttier flavor.
* **Other Fruits:** Feel free to substitute other fruits for the cherries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or peaches. Stone fruits like plums or nectarines would also be delicious.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini. Roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes would also be a great addition in the fall.
* **Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese. A tangy crumbled blue cheese would also work well.
* **Nuts:** Use any type of nuts you like, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
* **Protein:** Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for added protein. This will make the salad more filling and satisfying.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as mint, basil, or thyme. Fresh herbs add a bright and aromatic flavor to the salad.
* **Vinaigrette:** You can customize the vinaigrette by using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar. You can also add other flavorings, such as garlic, shallots, or spices.
* **Make Ahead:** You can cook the farro and make the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This is a great way to save time when you’re preparing for a party or potluck.
* **Leftovers:** Leftover Cherry Farro Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly soggy over time, but it will still taste delicious.
### Serving Suggestions
* Serve this Cherry Farro Salad as a light lunch or dinner.
* Bring it to a potluck or barbecue.
* Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* Pack it in a mason jar for a healthy and convenient on-the-go meal.
* Top it with a fried egg for a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
### Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 10-12g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.* This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of summer. With its combination of sweet cherries, salty feta, crunchy nuts, and chewy farro, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create this vibrant and flavorful salad!
### FAQs
**Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. Frozen cherries may release more moisture than fresh cherries, so you may want to adjust the amount of vinaigrette accordingly.
**Q: Can I make this salad vegan?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese and using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the vinaigrette. You can also add other plant-based protein sources, such as chickpeas or roasted tofu.
**Q: How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?**
A: Leftover Cherry Farro Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly soggy over time, but it will still taste delicious. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
**Q: Can I add other grains to this salad?**
A: Yes, you can substitute other grains for the farro, such as quinoa, barley, or brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
**Q: What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?**
A: You can substitute red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar for the balsamic vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but the salad will still be delicious.
**Q: Can I grill the cherries before adding them to the salad?**
A: Yes, grilling the cherries will add a smoky flavor to the salad. To grill them, toss them with a little olive oil and grill them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are slightly softened and charred.
Enjoy creating this delightful Cherry Farro Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette! It’s a perfect embodiment of summer’s bounty and a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. This recipe is just a starting point – feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Bon appétit!