Farro Salad With Fennel Oranges Almonds (Print Version)

Nutty farro tossed with crisp fennel, juicy oranges, and toasted almonds in bright citrus dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grain

01 - 1 cup uncooked whole grain farro
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Produce

04 - 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced with fronds reserved for garnish
05 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
06 - 2 cups arugula or baby spinach
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

→ Nuts

08 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make:

01 - Rinse farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender yet chewy. Drain excess water and let cool to room temperature.
02 - While farro cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled farro, sliced fennel, orange segments, arugula or spinach, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated and well combined.
05 - Pour vinaigrette over salad base and toss gently to ensure even coating of all components.
06 - Add toasted almonds and toss lightly. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds. Serve immediately or refrigerate for chilled serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with whole grain fiber, fresh greens, and healthy fats from olive oil and almonds.
  • Complex Textures: A delightful mix of chewy farro, crunchy fennel, and tender citrus segments.
  • Versatile: Works perfectly as a standalone light lunch or as a sophisticated side dish for dinner.
02 -
  • Fennel Fronds: Don't discard the green feathery tops of the fennel; they make a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
  • Dressing Emulsion: For a perfectly emulsified dressing, shake the ingredients together in a small lidded jar.
  • Make Ahead: This salad holds up well in the fridge, though it is best to add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
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