Citrus-Infused Spinach and Farro Salad
Delight in this vibrant Citrus-Infused Spinach and Farro Salad, a warm and hearty dish perfect for salad lovers and skeptics alike. This recipe seamlessly combines nutty farro with fresh spinach, sweet navel orange, and tangy shallots, all enveloped in a bright olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing. The citrus appeal not only enhances the flavors but also makes this nutritious salad a refreshing choice for any meal. It's an ideal way to enjoy spinach's health benefits, even if you're not a fan yet. This recipe easily adapts to larger gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
semi-pearled cracked farro
1/2 cup (uncooked)
shallot
1 (peeled and thinly sliced)
navel orange
1 (zest and segments)
spinach
4 ounces (roughly chopped (3-4 cups))
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating a large pot of salted water over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Add in the semi-pearled cracked farro and cook for 16 to 18 minutes, or until it is tender but still has a slight bite. Once cooked, turn off the heat, drain the farro thoroughly, and return it to the pot.
2
2. While the farro is cooking, prepare the orange. Use a peeler to carefully remove the rind, avoiding the bitter white pith. Finely mince the rind to yield about 2 teaspoons of zest, or use a zester for ease. Discard the remaining peel and white pith, then dice the orange segments, removing any seeds for a smooth texture.
3
3. In a medium non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallot, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft and translucent.
4
4. Add the apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan with the sautéed shallots, and season lightly with salt and pepper again. Cook while stirring for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
5
5. Transfer the sautéed shallots and their liquid into the pot of cooked farro. Incorporate the diced orange, orange zest, and roughly chopped spinach into the farro mixture. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top and stir gently to combine until the spinach is slightly wilted and everything is evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
6. Serve the salad warm, garnished with any remaining orange zest for an extra citrus punch, and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
29g
Carbs
6g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Spinach and Farro Salad?
It is a warm and hearty dish that combines nutty farro with fresh spinach, sweet navel orange, and tangy shallots, all tossed in a bright olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 200 calories in a serving of this salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan and contains no animal products.
What type of farro is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of uncooked semi-pearled cracked farro.
How long does it take to cook the farro?
The farro should be boiled for 16 to 18 minutes until it is tender but still has a slight bite.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of spinach, which is roughly 3 to 4 cups when chopped.
What kind of orange should I use?
The recipe recommends using one navel orange for both its zest and its segments.
How do I prepare the orange segments?
Remove the rind and white pith, then dice the orange segments and remove any seeds.
How do I prepare the orange zest?
You can use a zester or a peeler to remove the rind (avoiding the pith) and then finely mince it to yield about 2 teaspoons.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad contains 6g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 5g of dietary fiber.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 29g of carbohydrates in this salad.
How should the shallots be cooked?
The shallots should be thinly sliced and sautéed in olive oil for 2 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
How do I incorporate the spinach?
The roughly chopped spinach is stirred into the warm farro mixture until it is slightly wilted.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
This salad is designed to be served warm.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between sautéing and final assembly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple boiling and sautéing steps.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The salad features nutty, sweet, tangy, and bright citrus flavors.
Can I make this salad for a large group?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it easily adapts to larger gatherings.
What seasonings are used?
The salad is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: farro, shallot, navel orange, spinach, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the shallot?
The shallot should be peeled and thinly sliced before sautéing.
What is the first step in making the salad?
Begin by heating a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the farro.
What do I do after the farro is cooked?
Turn off the heat, drain the farro thoroughly, and return it to the pot.
How long should I cook the vinegar and water mixture?
Add them to the sautéed shallots and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute to reduce the liquid slightly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free, though typically farro contains gluten; users should verify their specific grain source.
What is the final step before serving?
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the mixture, stir gently, and season with salt and pepper.
How should I garnish the salad?
Garnish with any remaining orange zest for an extra citrus punch.
Is this a good recipe for people who don't like spinach?
Yes, the description suggests it is an ideal way to enjoy spinach's benefits even if you are not a fan yet, due to the citrus infusion.