Imagine a salad that transports you to a sun-drenched Greek island with every single bite - that's exactly what this Farro and Cucumber Salad promises! Packed with vibrant flavors, nutritious ingredients, and a perfect balance of textures, this dish is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply someone who loves mind-blowing Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this recipe will revolutionize your summer meal game and leave your taste buds craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the farro under cold running water to remove any dust or debris. This helps enhance the flavor of the grains.
- In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of rinsed farro and 3 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the farro simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it is tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the farro is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, even pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- After the farro has finished cooking, drain any excess water and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, add the farro to the mixing bowl with the diced cucumber.
- Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the farro and cucumber. The feta will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the salad.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and sprinkle it into the bowl. Dill complements the other ingredients beautifully and adds a fresh, herbal note.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salad mixture. This will help to bind the ingredients together and enhance the overall flavor.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as feta cheese can be quite salty on its own.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the farro, cucumber, feta, dill, and olive oil are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Once combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more olive oil, salt, or pepper based on your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period enhances the taste.
- Serve the farro and cucumber salad chilled or at room temperature. This salad makes a great side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse farro thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure a cleaner, more distinct grain texture.
- For the most flavorful result, use fresh, crisp cucumber and high-quality feta cheese.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
- For added complexity, consider toasting the farro briefly in a dry pan before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute some of the olive oil with fresh lemon juice.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds as a garnish.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 13mg
