Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad is a hearty, refreshing dish perfect for outdoor gatherings, meal prep, or a light lunch. It combines the nutty chewiness of farro with crisp green beans and a zesty vinaigrette, offering both flavor and texture. This salad holds up well without wilting, making it an ideal choice for picnics and potlucks.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
farrogreen beanscherry tomatoesred onionfeta cheesefresh herbs (like parsley or basil)olive oillemon juiceDijon mustardgarlicsalt and pepper
directions
Cook the farro according to package instructions until tender, then drain and let cool.
Trim and blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to preserve color and crispness. Drain and pat dry.
Slice cherry tomatoes in halves, finely chop the red onion, and crumble the feta cheese.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro, green beans, tomatoes, onion, and feta.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesCooling and assembly time: 10 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes
Variations
Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
Use goat cheese or mozzarella balls instead of feta.
Swap lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a tangy twist.
Include olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
Use arugula or baby spinach for a leafy addition just before serving.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better as it sits and the flavors meld.
Is farro gluten-free?
No, farro contains gluten. Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Do I need to rinse the farro after cooking?
Yes, rinsing helps remove excess starch and cools it quickly for the salad.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen green beans can be used if thawed and blanched properly.
What herbs go best with this salad?
Parsley, basil, dill, or mint all pair beautifully with the ingredients.
Conclusion
Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad is a satisfying, vibrant dish that travels well and pleases a crowd. With its mix of wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and a zippy dressing, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for warm-weather meals and beyond.
Print
Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and refreshing salad perfect for picnics, combining the nutty flavor of farro with crisp green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 12 oz green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook farro according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Try adding feta cheese or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use whole grain farro for added nutritional benefits.