21 Fabulous Ways to Prepare Farro

Farro is a Mediterranean grain that’s particularly suited for hearty salads, but there is so much more that this mighty ingredient can do. Put farro’s nutty flavor to good use with these simple sides and wholesome main dishes.

May 05, 2022

By: Leah Scalzadonna

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It's easy to fall in love with the chewy, nutty flavor of this wholesome grain, but you may be hesitant to cook it at home due to its reputation for being tricky to prepare. This couldn't be further from the truth. The hardest part may be knowing which type of farro you’ve got — it comes in whole grain, semi-pearled (some of the bran is removed) and pearled (all of the bran is removed) — and this is not indicated on all packages. All types have slightly different cooking times and absorb different amounts of liquid, so the best route to perfectly cooked farro is to boil it like pasta and dress and season it after it's out of the pot. Toasting the farro in a skillet before boiling enhances its nutty flavor even more.

Get the Recipe: Perfect Farro

Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs

Toss together an easy salad of chopped tomatoes, hearty farro, snipped fresh chives and Italian parsley for a satisfying lunch or first course for a picnic or party.

Get the Recipe: Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs

Cucumber, Melon and Farro Salad with Feta

This is the quintessential summer salad — the one that everyone at the cookout lines up for. Cantaloupe, cucumbers and fresh mint are the refreshing base. Sweet cherry tomatoes add bright notes (and color!) and farro lends heft and nutty taste. Salty feta and a tart red wine vinaigrette round out the flavors in this easy make-ahead salad.

Get the Recipe: Cucumber, Melon and Farro Salad with Feta

Three-Onion Farro Soup

This French-onion style soup ditches the croutons for hearty farro.

Get the Recipe: Three-Onion Farro Soup

Farro Pilaf

Combine cooked farro with raisins, pistachios and parsley for a wholesome side that’s comparable to your favorite rice dish.

Get the Recipe: Farro Pilaf

Farro and Corn Salad

You'll find farro with the whole grains in your grocery store or health food market (near the quinoa) but if you can't find it you can use barley in this simple, packed-with-summer-flavors salad.

Get the Recipe: Farro and Corn Salad

Healthy Farro Fried "Rice"

Farro is an Italian variety of wheat with grains that turn tender and toothsome with cooking. It's often added to soups and risotto but works as a terrific substitute for rice in this easy stir-fry.

Healthy Farro Fried "Rice" — Meatless Monday

Baked Farro and Butternut Squash

Ina says, “"This is a recipe from California chef Maria Sinskey. The flavors and textures are amazing."

Get the Recipe: Baked Farro and Butternut Squash

Shrimp, Watercress and Farro Salad

This shrimp, watercress and farro salad will leave you feel totally satisfied but not overstuffed.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp, Watercress and Farro Salad

Farro with Cheese and Herbs

Farro lends a hearty bite to Giada’s two-cheese baked dish.

Get the Recipe: Farro with Cheese and Herbs

Farro Risotto with Fennel

Using farro in place of rice makes this a hearty, no-fuss risotto.

Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto with Fennel

Mediterranean Farro Salad

Farro, an Italian whole grain similar in texture to barley or wheat berries, lends its hearty bite to Giada’s chilled Mediterranean pasta-like salad.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Farro Salad

Pasta with Farro

Inspired by kasha varnishkes, a classic Jewish dish, this dish replaces buckwheat with farro and bow ties with orecchiette. Toss the cooked pasta and grains in a brown butter sauce for rich, simple flavor.

Get the Recipe: Pasta with Farro

Pork and Pineapple Grain Bowl

Whether you want an easy dinner or a satisfying lunch, this grain bowl will do the trick. Sweet pineapple salsa makes the perfect pairing with grilled pork tenderloin while tender farro ties the whole thing together.

Get the Recipe: Pork and Pineapple Grain Bowl

Herbed Farro Pilaf

Get your whole-grain fix with a salad made from nutty, chewy farro. You can find farro in the bulk bins at your grocery or health-food store, or with the other packaged whole grains.

Get the Recipe: Herbed Farro Pilaf

Whole-Grain Bean and Turkey Cassoulet

This casserole is super flavorful, thanks to the turkey kielbasa, and packed with fiber at 15 grams per serving (more than half the suggested daily intake!). Leftovers can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Bean and Turkey Cassoulet

Farro with Caramelized Veggies and Apples

Make the most of your seasonal produce by tossing it with farro, salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Get the Recipe: Farro with Caramelized Veggies and Apples

Farro Salad with Asparagus, Tomatoes and Ricotta Salata

Farro is toasted until nutty before being boiled until plump and toothsome and then tossed asparagus and tomatoes and a simple dressing of lemon and olive oil.

Get the Recipe: Farro Salad with Asparagus, Tomatoes and Ricotta Salata

Butternut Squash, Kale and Farro Salad

For a fall-flavored dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, combine farro with kale, roasted squash, rotisserie chicken and a mustard vinaigrette.

Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash, Kale and Farro Salad

Crab Farrotto with Peas

Looking for an elegant main course? Simmer farro in lobster stock until tender and creamy, then incorporate Parmesan, crab, peas and lemon zest. Fresh herbs add the finishing touch (and a beautiful pop of color!).

Get the Recipe: Crab Farrotto with Peas

Charlie Bird's Farro Salad

Ina’s secret to flavorful farro? She cooks the grain in a combination of apple cider and water for a subtle touch of sweetness. Once the farro is tender, she combines it with arugula, radish, Parmesan, pistachios and mint for a delicious salad that’s designed to impress.

Get the Recipe: Charlie Bird's Farro Salad

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