Pin it
This green bean and farro picnic salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warmer days and outdoor gatherings. It combines nutty farro with crisp green beans and juicy cherry tomatoes, all dressed in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s light enough to enjoy on its own or as a side to grilled dishes.
I first served this at a family barbecue, and it quickly became a requested staple for every summer get-together. The mix of textures and fresh flavors really wins everyone over.
Ingredients
- Farro: one cup serves as the hearty whole grain base and adds a satisfying chew make sure to rinse it well before cooking
- Water: two cups to cook the farro properly ensuring it becomes tender but not mushy
- Green beans: two cups trimmed for crunch and vibrant color blanch to keep them bright and crisp
- Cherry tomatoes: half a cup halved for juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the grain and beans
- Red onion: quarter cup diced adds a mild sharpness and crunch select fresh onions with firm texture to avoid bitterness
- Feta cheese: quarter cup crumbled gives creamy saltiness enhancing the salad’s Mediterranean feel choose a good quality or artisan feta for best flavor
- Olive oil: three tablespoons for the dressing offers richness and heart-healthy fats
- Lemon juice: two tablespoons brightens and refreshes the dish with its acidity
- Salt and pepper: to taste to season and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and Cook the Farro:
- Rinse farro under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. In a medium pot, combine rinsed farro and two cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about thirty minutes until the farro is tender but still firm. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool slightly.
- Blanch the Green Beans:
- Prepare a pot of boiling water. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for three minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately drain and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and preserve their bright green color and crunch.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large serving bowl, add the cooked farro, blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing and Toss:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly with the zesty dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad chill nicely.
Pin it
My favorite ingredient here is the farro which adds such a wonderful nutty depth and chewy texture you don’t get with other grains. One warm afternoon, I brought this salad to a park picnic, and the standout crunch and freshness had everyone reaching for seconds.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to three days but expecting some softening of the green beans and tomatoes. For best texture, toss gently before serving again.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can’t find farro, you can use barley or hulled wheat as a similar chewy grain alternative. Swap feta for goat cheese or omit cheese if dairy-free. Green beans can be replaced with steamed snap peas or blanched asparagus tips for a similar crisp bite.
Serving Suggestions
This salad works beautifully alongside grilled chicken or fish. It can also serve as a light lunch on its own with some crusty bread or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra layer of flavor.
Cultural Context
Pin it
Farro is a traditional grain commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking known for its rich nutty flavor and health benefits. This recipe embraces fresh, simple ingredients typical of Mediterranean diets which focus on plant-based, whole foods and vibrant tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should the farro be cooked for best texture?
Simmer farro in water for about 30 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy, then drain and cool before mixing with other ingredients.
- → What’s the purpose of blanching the green beans?
Blanching green beans briefly keeps them crisp and vibrant green while softening them slightly for easy eating.
- → Can other vegetables be added to this dish?
Yes, additional fresh vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers can be included for added crunch and flavor variety.
- → How does chilling affect the flavors?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to fully coat the ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.
- → What dressing complements this combination best?
A simple mix of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper brings brightness and balances the creamy and savory elements.