Summer Farro Salad

It’s already the middle of summer, and I know the harvest season is over in many parts of the country, but up here in Wisconsin we are just starting to see signs of it. I’m finally seeing the farmer who sells corn at small stands around town, and my basil is flourishing even though I haven’t ben the best caretaker. It’s time for tomatoes, basil and corn, and I’ve thrown them all together in this beautiful summer farro salad that’s just screaming summer and sun.

What you’ll need to make this salad

• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan

More dairy free salads: Summer Quinoa Salad / Southwest Chopped Salad

Have you ever made farro before?

It’s a grain similar to a wheat berry that’s traditional in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a nutty flavor and a chewy bite to it when it’s cooked. I find them almost identical to wheat berries in the way they’re prepared and their flavor. If you haven’t tried farro before, you absolutely have to give it a shot. I typically buy Village Harvest or Bob’s Red Mill, and prepare them according to the package directions.

How to make summer farro salad

To make this salad, I cooked 1 1/2 cups of farro as the package suggested – enough to make 4 cooked cups. While that was simmering, I sautéd a large shallot with some garlic and corn. The shallot makes the salad so savory, fragrant and delicious. It’s amazing how something so simple can have such an impact on flavor.

Once everything was cooked, I transferred it to a large bowl and tossed with tomatoes, basil and a simple vinaigrette. The salad can be served at any temperature, but it’s really, really good when it’s still slightly warm. It’s also perfect for a picnic or barbecue because it doesn’t have to be kept cold.

Tips for making farro salad

• You can make your farro up to a few days in advance. Just drizzle with a bit of olive oil and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble to salad.
• Fresh is always best, but if you have frozen or canned corn only, use it. The fresh tomatoes and basil will more than make up for it.
• Cooked farro will absorb the dressing so don’t add your dressing until just before serving.

More summer salad recipes:

• Strawberry poppyseed salad
• Tomato salad recipe
• Grilled peach salad
• Easy macaroni salad
• Spicy cucumber salad
• Mexican street corn salad
• BLT pasta salad

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Recipe adapted from The Kitchn.

Published: August 6, 2018. Updated: November 5, 2021.

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