Name: Festive Fall Farro Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup farro (Can substitute with quinoa or barley.); 2 cups water or broth (Vegetable or chicken broth recommended for better flavor.); 2 cups kale, chopped (Spinach can be used but won't hold up as well.); 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Can substitute with raisins or chopped apples.); 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives.); 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (Feta or shredded mozzarella can be used instead.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin is preferred for flavor.); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted.); to taste pinches salt (Freshly cracked pepper is also recommended.); to taste pinches black pepper (Use freshly cracked for better flavor.)

This Festive Fall Farro Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one bowl for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, whether you’re aiming for a cozy night in or a potluck situation, this salad is a perfect fit.

Ingredient Breakdown

1 cup farro
2 cups water or broth
2 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking!

Rinse the farro under cold water. In a pot, combine the farro and 2 cups of water or broth, bring it to a boil, and then reduce heat to let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain excess water if needed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, chopped kale, cranberries, and pecans. Let the colors dance together, it’s delightful!
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Pour this zesty dressing over the salad and toss it all together until it’s beautifully coated.
Top with crumbled goat cheese before serving. Ugh, so good!
Serve warm or at room temperature. I recommend letting it sit for a few minutes to let those flavors really mingle, trust me!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick but comforting. There’s just something about that mix of chewy farro, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese that makes my heart sing! And I’m a real sucker for recipes that allow me to use whatever I have on hand. Last week, I swapped in spinach and added some leftover roasted squash, so versatile! The best part is, it tastes even better the next day, which is a huge win in my book.

If you loved this Festive Fall Farro Salad, be sure to check out my Boursin Collard Green Rice, my Pomegranate Roasted Beet Salad, or my Pesto Chicken Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Crowd-Pleaser

This salad is definitely going to win over even the pickiest of eaters. The flavors are bright and satisfying, and who can resist a sprinkle of cheese on top? Seriously.

Customizable

The truth is, it’s all about using what you’ve got. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some roasted veggies, chickpeas, or whatever you’ve got lying around.

Quick & Easy

I mean, we’re talking about a full meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you just want to grab something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days, which makes it ideal for meal prep. I love making a batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week long. Plus, the flavors really get better with time as they marinate together, maximum yum!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

I love to serve this salad alongside roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even just a nice baguette with some butter, perfect for scooping up those delicious bites!

Storage

This Festive Fall Farro Salad will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

Honestly, I prefer it chilled or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it up, pop it in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir it well to ensure even heating!

Freezer Friendly?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad as the textures might suffer, especially with the kale and goat cheese. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Food is really about bringing people together, you know? If you give this Festive Fall Farro Salad a try, I can guarantee you’ll want it on repeat. So cozy up, gather your family at the dinner table, and dive into this dish full of flavor!

And don’t forget, there’s always room for a little tweak here and there. Go ahead, make it your own! Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!