Name: Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup dry farro; 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and chopped into thirds; 2 cups green beans; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/4 cup tahini; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 8 tablespoons water; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 avocado, thinly sliced; 4 radishes, thinly sliced; Sliced strawberries; Sunflower seeds; Sesame seeds; Fresh mint leaves

Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a delightful way to celebrate the season. This vibrant dish is packed with fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, making it not just nutritious but incredibly delicious as well. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a side dish for a gathering, or a refreshing lunch option, this salad perfectly fits the bill.

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love this Spring Farro Salad. First and foremost, it’s a colorful and tasty dish that captures the essence of springtime. Farro, a hearty whole grain, serves as the base of the salad and brings a nutty flavor and chewy texture to each bite.

In addition to being delicious, this salad is also quite nutritious. It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, proteins from the chickpeas, and healthy fats from avocado and tahini. Plus, the lemon tahini dressing ties everything together beautifully and adds a zesty flavor.

Finally, this Spring Farro Salad is incredibly versatile. You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making it easy to customize to your taste. It’s a great choice for meal prep and can be enjoyed fresh or as leftovers.

How to Make Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Creating this delicious Spring Farro Salad is simple. Follow these steps to enjoy a bowl full of fresh ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup dry farro (see note 1)
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and chopped into thirds
2 cups green beans
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup tahini
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
8 tablespoons water
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, thinly sliced
4 radishes, thinly sliced
Sliced strawberries
Sunflower seeds
Sesame seeds
Fresh mint leaves

Directions

Cook Farro:

Rinse the farro under cold water to remove any impurities.
In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed farro.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and set aside to cool.

Steam Vegetables:

While the farro cooks, prepare a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
Add the chopped asparagus and green beans to the steamer. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until just tender. Add the frozen peas for the last minute to warm them up.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Gradually add water to the dressing, whisking until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prepare the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, steamed vegetables, rinsed chickpeas, sliced avocado, sliced radishes, and strawberries.
Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Top the salad with sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and fresh mint leaves.

Pro Tips for Success with Spring Farro Salad

Cook Farro Ahead: If you’re short on time, cook the farro a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Use Fresh Herbs: Don’t shy away from adding more fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and freshness.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap the asparagus, green beans, or any other veggies according to your preference. Just make sure to cook them until tender.
Make it a Meal: To turn the salad into a full meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, be gentle to keep the avocado slices intact and pretty.

Flavor Variations for Spring Farro Salad

Add Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a tangy, creamy addition.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for a bit of heat.
Fruit Options: Apart from strawberries, consider using diced mango or peach for a tropical twist.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
Different Grains: Substitute farro with quinoa or bulgur for a different grain texture.

Serving Suggestions for Spring Farro Salad

This Spring Farro Salad can be served in numerous ways. It makes for a fantastic stand-alone dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. If you’re hosting, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish to create a complete meal.

Alternatively, serve it as a side dish for gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues. The colorful ingredients are sure to catch the eye and impress your guests. Don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing drink like sparkling water or homemade lemonade to complement its fresh flavors.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Spring Farro Salad

To best enjoy your Spring Farro Salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 3 days. If you are preparing it for meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the avocado and fresh herbs’ textures changing poorly once thawed. Instead, prepare only what you plan to eat in the short term for optimal taste and freshness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 9g
Sodium: 210mg

FAQ About Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it does not include any animal products. You can enjoy the rich flavors without compromising your dietary choices.

How do I prepare farro if I’ve never cooked it before?

Cooking farro is straightforward. Just rinse the grains under cold water, then simmer in broth or water until tender, typically about 25-30 minutes. You can also soak it overnight to reduce cooking time.

Can I substitute tahini in the dressing?

Yes, if you don’t have tahini on hand, you can use peanut butter or almond butter as a substitute. Additionally, sunflower seed butter can work as a nut-free alternative.

What other vegetables can I add?

You have plenty of options! Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to mix things up based on availability and preference.

Is farro gluten-free?

No, farro is a type of wheat grain and is not gluten-free. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute farro with quinoa or brown rice.

Final Thoughts

Spring Farro Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With its fresh ingredients and wholesome nutrition, it’s a perfect choice for any meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with seasonal goodness, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every colorful bite!