Hearty Farro Salad with Zesty Parsley Pesto
45
min
412
Calories
20g
Fats
58g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Discover a flavor-packed farro salad blended with a homemade parsley pesto that's perfect for any season. With protein-packed ingredients and fresh veggies, it's both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare the Parsley Pesto
Start your farro salad by creating the heart of the flavor - the parsley pesto. In a blender, combine 1 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley, 1/4 cup of walnuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until you achieve a coarse, somewhat smooth paste. This pesto is going to be the foundation of our salad's dressing, giving it a fresh and zesty taste that complements the nuttiness of the farro beautifully.
Pro Tip: For a smoother pesto texture, add a bit more olive oil.
Step 2: Cook Farro
Farro brings a delightful chewiness and a nutty flavor to this salad. To prepare it, simply cook 1 cup of farro in 1.5 cups of water until tender, then let it cool. Cooling the farro ensures that it doesn't turn mushy when mixing with the pesto and vegetables.
Pro Tip: Rinse farro under cold water after cooking to cool it down faster.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro, parsley pesto, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of alfalfa sprouts. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. The tomatoes add a juicy burst of sweetness, the onions bring a slight crunch and sharpness, and the sprouts add freshness and texture to the salad.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the pesto.
Step 4: Season and Serve
To finish, season your salad with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and red chili flakes to taste. Give everything a thorough mix to ensure the farro and veggies are well-coated with the parsley pesto. The freshness of lemon juice enhances the flavors, while the chili flakes add a subtle heat. Serve the salad immediately if you prefer it at room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator if you'd like it cold. Garnish with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds right before serving for a pleasant crunch.
Pro Tip: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for an hour allows flavors to meld together perfectly.
