Warm Apple Walnut Farro Salad

In the ever-evolving world of culinary delights, warm salads have emerged as a comforting yet nutritious option that appeals to both the palate and the health-conscious. This Warm Apple Walnut Farro Salad is a quintessential recipe that beautifully showcases the seasonal flavors of fall. It combines the sweetness of fresh apples, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the heartiness of farro, creating a dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. Whether enjoyed as a vibrant side dish or a stand-alone main course, this salad offers a medley of textures and tastes that can brighten any meal.

Discover the delightful Warm Apple Walnut Farro Salad, a perfect blend of seasonal flavors that celebrates fall. This healthy dish features chewy farro, sweet apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and vibrant greens, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it as a hearty main, this salad is sure to impress with its medley of textures and tastes. Elevate your culinary experience with this wholesome recipe that nourishes the body and delights the palate.

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Ingredients

1 cup farro

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a savory finish)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of farro with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still has a slight chew. If there is any excess liquid, drain it off and set the farro aside.

Prep the Ingredients: While the farro is cooking, prepare your other ingredients. Dice the apple into bite-sized cubes, roughly chop the walnuts, finely chop the red onion, and rinse and dry the arugula or spinach.

Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.

Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked farro, diced apple, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries (or raisins), finely chopped red onion, and arugula (or spinach). Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serve Warm: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. If using, crumble feta cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation and added aroma.

Enjoy: This warm apple walnut farro salad makes for a hearty side dish or a nourishing main course, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or a cozy dinner at home.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings