Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome, fresh, and absolutely delightful salad, let me introduce you to my Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe. This salad is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that’s tasty, nourishing, and just a little bit fancy without the fuss. It’s packed with chewy farro, crisp apples, peppery arugula, and a perfect nutty crunch that keeps my whole family coming back for seconds. Stick around—I’m going to share every tip to help you make your own version turn out fabulous!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role to create that unique combination you’ll love in the Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe. I always aim for fresh produce and quality nuts to get the best textures and flavors.

• Farro: I like pearled farro for quicker cooking, but whole farro adds a nuttier depth.
• Arugula: Fresh and peppery, arugula adds a nice bite to balance the sweetness.
• Radicchio: Adds that subtle bitterness and vibrant color contrast.
• Honeycrisp Apple: Choose a crisp variety for the perfect sweet-tart crunch.
• Medjool Dates: Soft, chewy sweetness that pairs amazingly with nuts and farro.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the salad with a clean herbal note.
• Walnuts: Toasted or raw, they add a wonderful crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
• Pecorino Cheese: Shaved pecorino brings a salty, sharp twist; you can swap for Parmesan if preferred.
• Fresh Thyme: The subtle aroma lifts the whole salad to another level.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: A tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette that ties everything together perfectly.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the flavors.

Variations

I love mixing this salad up depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll find it’s a really forgiving base with lots of room to experiment with!

• Nut Swaps: I’ve swapped walnuts for toasted almonds or pecans with great success, each giving a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Leaving out the pecorino and adding extra dates or a bit of avocado keeps the creaminess intact.
• Fruit Variations: Pears or persimmons can replace apples seasonally, adding their own unique sweetness and texture.
• Greens Swap: Baby spinach or mixed greens can work if you prefer a milder base instead of arugula.

How to Make Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Farro Perfectly

Start by cooking your farro according to package instructions — usually about 20 minutes to get tender but still chewy. I learned that rinsing it beforehand helps to reduce any bitterness. Once cooked, drain and let it cool to room temperature before tossing with the other ingredients. This step is key because warm farro can wilt the delicate arugula and radicchio.

Step 2: Toss Together the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, add your cooled farro, arugula, sliced radicchio, thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, chopped dates, parsley, walnuts, shaved pecorino, and fresh thyme leaves. I love how the colors and textures come to life here—bright greens, ruby reds, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts, all mingling in one bowl.

Step 3: Dress and Season the Salad

Add half your apple cider vinegar dressing first, then sprinkle with sea salt and grind fresh black pepper over the top. Toss everything gently but thoroughly. Here’s a trick I learned: start with less dressing and add more little by little so you don’t overdress the salad—it should be coated, not swimming.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your salad a taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed until it hits that perfect balance for your palate. I often let it sit for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can marry beautifully, but you can enjoy it right away if you’re hungry like I usually am!

How to Serve Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with an extra sprinkle of shaved pecorino and a few fresh thyme leaves. Sometimes, I’ll add a handful of microgreens or a drizzle of good olive oil for added freshness and that lovely sheen. These little touches make it feel like a special treat every time I serve it.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, but it’s also fantastic beside a hearty soup or roasted vegetables for a fully satisfying meal. When I want a vegetarian spread, I’ll serve it alongside some warm flatbread and hummus for a balanced and colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this salad in small mason jars layered beautifully so guests can see all the components. It doubles as a great portable lunch too! Another idea I’ve tried: scoop it into avocado halves for an elegant and Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find next-day salad even tastier. Just be sure to add any delicate greens like arugula fresh before serving if you expect to keep it longer.

Freezing

I’d steer clear of freezing this salad because the fresh ingredients, especially the apples and arugula, don’t freeze well and can turn mushy. Farro itself freezes fine, but mixing the whole salad before freezing compromises texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your farro warm, I suggest reheating just the cooked farro and then tossing it with fresh salad ingredients and dressing. I pop the farro in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist before assembling the salad.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Nutty Farro Salad with Apples and Arugula Recipe brings together simple ingredients into something unforgettable. When I first tried combining these components, I wasn’t sure if I’d like the combo of sweet, nutty, and peppery, but now it’s a staple in my kitchen and my family goes crazy for it every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to whip up something so nourishing and flavorful. Trust me, it’s worth it!

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