Crunchy Apple Farro Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Crunchy Apple Farro Salad combines nutty farro with crisp apples and tangy feta for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. A honey mustard dressing brings it all together with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish ideal for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (or any other variety)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups diced apple (toss with a bit of extra lemon juice to stop browning)
• 3 cups cooked farro
• 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 2 cups fresh arugula leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well combined to make the dressing.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced apple, cooked farro, crumbled feta cheese, chopped celery, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, arugula, and chopped parsley. Stir to evenly combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all components lightly with the dressing.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately, adjusting seasoning to taste if needed. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more pronounced contrast with the sweet dressing.
• Substitute farro with quinoa or brown rice if preferred.
• Toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding for extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Add chopped fresh herbs such as mint or basil for additional freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may soften the almonds and arugula over time, so consider storing the dressing separately and tossing just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Is farro gluten-free?

No, farro contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, try substituting with quinoa or another gluten-free grain.

Crunchy Apple Farro Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

A fresh and flavorful Crunchy Apple Farro Salad featuring tender cooked farro, crisp apples, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade honey mustard dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (for cooking farro)
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dressing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or any other variety)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Salad

• 2 cups diced apple (tossed with a bit of extra lemon juice to stop browning)
• 3 cups cooked farro
• 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 2 cups fresh arugula leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and well-combined dressing.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apple (tossed with extra lemon juice to prevent browning), cooked farro, crumbled feta cheese, chopped celery, sliced almonds, sweetened dried cranberries, fresh arugula leaves, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir the ingredients together until they are well integrated and evenly distributed throughout the salad.
3. Add and Toss the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared honey mustard dressing over the mixed salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently stir or toss the salad to lightly coat all components with the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the salad is evenly dressed, serve immediately for optimal freshness and crunch. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary and enjoy your fresh and healthy honey mustard farro salad.

Notes

• To keep apple pieces from browning, toss them lightly with extra lemon juice before adding to the salad.
• Cook farro according to package instructions and let it cool before assembling the salad.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
• Feel free to swap feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.

Keywords: Crunchy Apple Farro Salad, honey mustard dressing, farro salad with apples and feta, healthy autumn salad, vegetarian farro salad