Imagine a salad so vibrant and delicious that it transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite. This Asparagus Farro Feta Salad is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines hearty grains, crisp vegetables, and tangy cheese in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the farro under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the farro simmer for about 20 minutes, or until tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the asparagus and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro, blanched asparagus, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the farro and asparagus mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined and the dressing evenly coats the ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Asparagus Farro Feta Salad warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Farro Perfection: Rinse your farro thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch and ensure a perfect, chewy texture.
- Asparagus Technique: When blanching asparagus, aim for that perfect bright green color and tender-crisp texture. The ice bath is crucial to stop the cooking process and maintain vibrant color.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing separately to ensure even distribution of flavors. Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to allow the ingredients to marinate.
- Temperature Matters: This salad is versatile—enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Each temperature brings out different nuances in the flavor.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or swap parsley for fresh dill to make this recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
