Autumn Harvest Farro Salad
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Autumn Harvest Farro Salad. Nutty cracked farro serves as the hearty base of this salad, complemented by the crisp sweetness of apples and the earthy crunch of toasted pecans. Infused with fresh thyme and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for late summer and early fall gatherings. Ideal as a light lunch or a side dish, it showcases seasonal produce beautifully while providing a satisfying and nourishing meal. Feel free to swap in sliced pears for an equally delightful variation.
8
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cracked farro
1 1/2 cups (soaked and drained)
olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
red onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
apple
1 large (cored and chopped (gala or granny smith preferred))
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
pecans
3/4 cup (toasted and chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the cracked farro in cold water for at least 20 minutes, then drain it thoroughly.
2
In a medium pot, bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the drained farro and reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the farro is tender but still slightly chewy, about 30 to 35 minutes.
3
Once cooked, drain the farro and rinse it under cold water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process. Drain it again well, then transfer it to a large bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to chill.
4
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent.
5
Stir in the chopped apple and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the apple slices are slightly softened.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the apple-onion mixture to the bowl with the chilled farro.
7
Add the fresh thyme, apple cider vinegar, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, toasted pecans, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
8
Serve the salad immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
16.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Farro Salad?
It is a nutty, hearty salad featuring cracked farro, crisp apples, earthy toasted pecans, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
Is the Autumn Harvest Farro Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
How long should the cracked farro be soaked?
The farro should be soaked in cold water for at least 20 minutes before cooking.
What is the cooking time for the farro?
The farro should be boiled uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until tender but chewy.
What variety of apples should I use?
Gala or Granny Smith apples are preferred for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I substitute apples with another fruit?
Yes, sliced pears can be used as a delightful variation.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
This recipe uses 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 16.5g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
This salad provides 2g of fiber per serving.
How should the farro be handled after boiling?
It should be drained and rinsed under cold water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process, then chilled.
What is the best way to prepare the pecans?
The pecans should be toasted and chopped for maximum flavor and crunch.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I prepare the red onion?
Chop half of a medium red onion and sauté it in olive oil for about 5 minutes until softened.
How long do the apples need to cook?
The chopped apples should be cooked with the onions for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What is the total amount of olive oil needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil in total, divided between sautéing and the dressing.
When is the best time to serve this salad?
It is ideal for late summer and early fall gatherings.
Does the farro need to be covered while boiling?
No, the farro should be cooked uncovered.
How much water is used to boil the farro?
Use 2 quarts of salted water to boil the farro.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features nutty, sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors.
Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, the farro needs to be chilled, and allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld.
What is the preparation for the apples?
The apples should be cored and chopped before being added to the skillet.
What type of grain is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses cracked farro.
Is this salad a whole grain dish?
Yes, farro is a nutrient-dense whole grain.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The farro is chilled, but it can be served immediately after mixing with the sautéed ingredients.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.