Let me introduce you to a dish that will quickly climb to the top of your must-make list: Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta is pure sunshine in a bowl. Nutty farro, vibrant citrus, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts come together with a lively vinaigrette to create a salad that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. It’s Mediterranean-inspired, satisfyingly hearty, and absolutely bursting with color and flavor—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a standout side at your next gathering. Trust me, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta is that each ingredient plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. You won’t need anything complicated—just a handful of fresh, wholesome components that shine together.
- Farro: This ancient grain gives the salad its satisfying chew and nutty backbone—cook it just until tender for the perfect texture.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: Cooking your farro in broth adds an extra layer of savory flavor, but water works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the flavors of the farro and vinaigrette without overpowering the dish.
- Orange (or Blood Orange): Vibrant citrus wedges provide bursts of juicy sweetness and color—blood oranges are especially gorgeous in season.
- Orange Zest: For a boost of zippy citrus aroma, don’t skip this simple addition.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy feta is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet citrus and warm farro.
- Red Onion: Thin slices add just the right amount of sharpness and crunch—soak them briefly if you want a milder bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbal, parsley brings freshness that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh Mint (Optional): If you love a little extra coolness in your salad, chopped mint makes it pop.
- Toasted Almonds or Pistachios: Nuts add irresistible texture and a hint of richness—toast them for even more flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of any good vinaigrette—choose a fruity, high-quality oil for the best results.
- Fresh Orange Juice: It adds both tang and subtle sweetness to the vinaigrette, echoing the salad’s citrus notes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens and balances the dressing.
- Honey: Just a touch, to round out the sharpness of the citrus and mustard.
- Dijon Mustard: This brings depth and a gentle kick to the vinaigrette—don’t skip it!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Add these to taste in your vinaigrette—the final touch to make the flavors sing.
How to Make Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Rinse your farro under cold water to remove any residual starch. Combine it with either water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the grains are plump yet still have that satisfying chew. Drain off any excess liquid, and get ready for the magic!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Citrus Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, add the olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until the vinaigrette is smooth and silky—this dressing is what sets Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta apart, layering in zippy brightness with just enough sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
While your farro is still warm, transfer it to a big bowl. Pile on the segmented orange, orange zest, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, optional mint, and your toasted almonds or pistachios. The combination of warm grains with cool, fresh produce creates the ideal blend of textures and temperatures.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your citrus vinaigrette over the farro and all those lovely toppings, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. The flavors meld beautifully when the farro is still a little warm, helping to soften the onions and coax out essential oils from the herbs.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Taste
Just before you’re ready to serve, fold in the crumbled feta. This ensures the feta retains its creamy texture and doesn’t dissolve into the salad. Give it all a taste and adjust the seasoning—maybe a little more fresh pepper or a final squeeze of citrus, if you’re feeling bold!
How to Serve Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra zest or some reserved chopped nuts on top right before serving for a polished, party-ready look. Fresh mint leaves or a few more crumbles of feta are never a bad idea for that finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta shines as a side with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or broiled salmon. It’s also wonderful alongside a simple roasted vegetable platter, or nestled next to a hearty soup for a cozy, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve portions in individual bowls layered with extra orange segments and a drizzle of vinaigrette. Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta is also lovely served family-style on a big platter, letting the colors and textures invite everyone to dig in. It even makes a show-stopping packable lunch in jars or bento boxes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While farro itself freezes well, the fresh herbs and feta lose their texture after thawing, so it’s best not to freeze the completed salad. For longer storage, freeze just the cooked farro, then assemble the rest of the salad fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To gently revive the salad, bring it to room temperature or give it a quick, gentle zap in the microwave (without the feta). Add the cheese and any delicate herbs right before serving to keep their flavors and freshness intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of farro?
Absolutely! While farro offers wonderful chew and nuttiness, barley, wheat berries, or even quinoa can substitute nicely. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly, and the spirit of Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta will still shine through.
What’s the best way to segment an orange?
Use a sharp paring knife: cut off the top and bottom, then slice away all the peel and pith. Working over a bowl to catch juices, carefully cut out each segment from between the membranes. It’s a little extra effort, but totally worth it for juicy, mess-free bites.
Can I make it vegan?
Definitely! Simply use a dairy-free feta or omit the cheese entirely—Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta is still packed with flavor thanks to the citrus and herb combo.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional farro contains gluten, so if you need to avoid it, opt for a gluten-free grain like quinoa or brown rice. The salad will still have all its vibrant flavor and color.
How do I toast nuts for this recipe?
Toasting nuts is easy: place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Keep a close watch—they go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table with Warm Farro Salad with Citrus & Feta. Every bite is a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect any time of year. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let this colorful favorite bring joy to your next meal!