Farro Salad with Fennel and Oranges (Print version)

Nutty farro meets crisp fennel, juicy oranges, and toasted almonds in a light citrus vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup farro
02 - 3 cups water
03 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables & Fruit

04 - 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
05 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 2 cups mixed salad greens

→ Nuts & Seeds

08 - ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

→ Vinaigrette

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
11 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - ½ teaspoon honey
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Rinse farro under cold water. Combine farro, water, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain and let cool slightly.
02 - While the farro cooks, toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - In a large salad bowl, toss the cooled farro with fennel, orange segments, red onion, and salad greens. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
05 - Sprinkle toasted almonds and reserved fennel fronds on top. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of farro and almonds provides a wonderful variety of textures.
  • Fresh orange juice and zest bring a natural brightness to the homemade vinaigrette.
  • It is naturally vegetarian and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
  • It works beautifully as either a light main dish or a hearty side salad.
02 -
  • Ensure the farro is drained well and cooled slightly before tossing with the greens to prevent wilting.
  • Use a mandoline to get paper-thin slices of fennel for a more delicate bite.
  • Always toast your almonds fresh for the best aroma and flavor.
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