Citrus Herb Farro Garden Bowl (Printable Version)
Nutty farro meets zesty citrus and fresh vegetables in an herby vinaigrette for a vibrant, satisfying bowl.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup uncooked farro
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables & Greens
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
07 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
08 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
09 - 1 avocado, sliced
→ Citrus & Fresh Herbs
10 - 1 orange, segmented
11 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
→ Dressing
15 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
16 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine farro, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, carrots, red onion, orange segments, and herbs.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Add the cooked farro to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the bowl and toss gently to combine.
05 - Top with sliced avocado just before serving.
06 - Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a colder, more refreshing bowl.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something from a fancy café
- The combination of warm farro and cool fresh vegetables creates the most satisfying texture contrast
- You can prep everything ahead and assemble when hunger strikes
02 -
- Letting the farro cool slightly before tossing prevents the vegetables from wilting and keeps everything crisp and vibrant
- Segmenting the oranges properly (removing all membranes) releases their juices directly into the bowl creating natural sweetness
- The dressing tastes best when made at least 10 minutes ahead so the flavors have time to meld together
03 -
- Toasting the farro in a dry pan for 3 minutes before adding water brings out its natural nutty flavor
- Massaging the red onion slices with a pinch of salt removes their harsh bite while keeping their crunch