Dive into the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine with our irresistible Mediterranean Farro Salad with Spiced Chickpeas! This colorful dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a tantalizing blend of spices, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a stunning side for your next gathering. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Farro, cooked
- Canned chickpeas, rinsed
- Cucumber, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Spices (cumin, paprika)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the farro according to package instructions. Typically, rinse the farro and cook in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain and let cool to room temperature.
- Pat the rinsed chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and sprinkle with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are slightly crispy and golden brown.
- While the chickpeas are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, spiced chickpeas, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of the dressing and spices.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Farro: Make sure to rinse the farro well before cooking to remove any excess starch. This will help achieve that ideal chewy texture. Follow the package instructions for the best results, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Crispy Chickpeas: For extra crunch, ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly dried before adding them to the skillet. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get when toasted in olive oil.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor. If you can, opt for locally sourced cucumbers and tomatoes—they make a world of difference!
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes after tossing. This waiting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize your salad! Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or red onion, or toss in some olives for an extra Mediterranean flair.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for picnics or potlucks. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
