Farro Salad With Fennel, Oranges, Almonds (Printable)

Wholesome Mediterranean grain bowl with farro, fennel, oranges, and almonds in citrus dressing.

# Components:

→ Grain

01 - 1 cup uncooked whole grain farro
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Produce

04 - 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
05 - 2 large oranges, peeled and segmented
06 - 2 cups arugula or baby spinach
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

→ Nuts

08 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
11 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Rinse farro under cold water. Combine farro, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain excess water and let cool.
02 - Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooled farro, sliced fennel, orange segments, arugula or spinach, and parsley.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
05 - Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
06 - Add toasted almonds and toss lightly. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds. Serve immediately or chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The farro stays chewy and satisfying for days, unlike lettuce salads that wilt sadly
  • Fennel and oranges together taste like sunshine, even on gray winter days
02 -
  • Warm farro makes arugula wilt disappointingly fast, so let the grains cool completely before mixing
  • The dressing can be made ahead, but add it right before serving to maintain the best texture
03 -
  • Supreme your oranges over a bowl to catch the juices for an extra hit of citrus in the dressing
  • Use a mandoline for paper-thin fennel slices if you want the most delicate texture
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