Introduction

Farro salad with roasted butternut squash is a delightful dish that harmonizes earthy, nutty grains with the sweetness of squash. It's an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or a colorful addition to your dinner table.

This salad not only showcases nourishing ingredients but also offers a blend of textures and flavors. The chewy farro serves as a sturdy base, while the butternut squash brings vibrancy and a hint of autumn’s warmth, making it a perfect meal for any season.

With simple preparation techniques and fresh ingredients, you can easily assemble this salad in no time. Let’s dive into the delicious details of making this fulfilling dish at home.

Ingredients

1 cup farro
Farro is an ancient grain packed with fiber and protein, providing a satisfying chew that complements the creaminess of butternut squash. It serves as the heart of this salad, absorbing flavors from the dressing and other ingredients.
2 cups diced butternut squash
The diced butternut squash lends both sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish. Roasting enhances its natural flavors, giving it a caramelized texture that pairs beautifully with the nutty farro.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is essential for roasting the squash and dressing the salad. Its richness adds moisture and rounds out the flavors, while also providing healthy fats that promote satiety.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and the nuttiness of farro, bringing the overall flavors together. It is crucial to season both the cooking water and the vegetables during preparation.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish. It balances the sweetness of the butternut squash, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
1/4 cup cranberries, dried
Dried cranberries provide a beautiful contrast with their tartness, elevating the salad's flavor and adding a chewy texture that complements the farro and squash.
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Feta cheese introduces a salty and creamy element to the salad, enhancing flavor complexity. Its crumble adds textural variety, contrasting the chewiness of farro and the softness of roasted squash.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Chopped walnuts add a crunchy element that enhances the salad’s texture while providing healthy fats and proteins. They also contribute a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar acts as a balanced dressing, adding acidity and depth to the salad. It brightens the overall dish and complements the flavors of butternut squash and feta cheese.
1 teaspoon honey
Honey provides a gentle sweetness that complements the acidity of balsamic vinegar and balances the flavors. It helps create a harmonious dressing that ties all the elements of the salad together.
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Fresh parsley not only brightens the salad visually but also adds a touch of freshness. Its mild flavor enhances the overall taste, making each bite feel light and vibrant.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving the best roasting results. An adequately heated oven ensures that the butternut squash caramelizes properly, giving it a deliciously tender and flavorful exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the butternut squash: peel, seed, and dice it into 1-inch cubes.

Cutting the squash into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and browning. The size allows it to roast quickly while maintaining some texture, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Step 3: Toss the diced squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Coating the squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper not only adds flavor but also helps the squash to brown evenly in the oven. An even layer of oil ensures that each piece gets nicely roasted without drying out.

Step 4: Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.

Roasting allows the squash to develop caramelization, enhancing its natural sweetness. Stir halfway through for even cooking; you'll know it's done when the edges are golden and tender.

Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the farro according to package instructions.

Farro requires a bit of time to cook, so starting it concurrently allows for efficient use of time. Cooking it properly ensures a chewy texture, preventing it from becoming mushy, which would otherwise detract from the salad.

Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt.

Whisking these ingredients creates a smooth dressing that binds the salad. The combination of acidity from the vinegar and sweetness from the honey works to enhance all the flavors of the salad.

Step 7: Once the farro and squash are cooked, let them cool slightly.

Allowing the warm ingredients to cool slightly helps to maintain the balanced temperature of the salad. It also ensures the dressing adheres better without becoming overly warm or soggy.

Step 8: In a large bowl, combine the cooled farro, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, feta, and walnuts.

Mixing these together allows for an even distribution of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role that enhances the overall salad experience, creating a wholesome dish.

Step 9: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Adding the dressing at this stage ensures that each bite is coated with flavor. Tossing gently prevents breaking the feta and maintains the integrity of the roasted squash and nuts.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It enhances the aroma and provides a visual appeal, making the salad even more inviting to eat.

Farro Salad With Butternut Squash step photo

Exploring Farro: The Nutritional Powerhouse

Farro is not just a trendy grain; it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it an excellent substitute for rice or pasta, enhancing the nutritional profile of dishes. By incorporating farro into your salads, you're not only adding complexity that keeps your meals interesting but also boosting your intake of whole grains, which are vital for maintaining overall health.

The Art of Roasting Butternut Squash

Roasting butternut squash is an art that transforms its natural sugars into a sweet, caramelized treat. The high heat of the oven helps to concentrate flavors, while also producing a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with grains and greens. When roasting, it’s important to avoid overcrowding on the pan to achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior, which adds an inviting taste and warmth to your farro salad.

Elevating Your Salad with Homemade Dressing

Homemade dressings can transform a simple salad into an unforgettable dish. In this farro salad, a mix of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil not only provides a fresh flavor profile but also allows you to control the sweetness and acidity to match your personal taste. Experimenting with homemade dressings is a fun way to add creativity to your salads while ensuring high-quality ingredients without preservatives.

FAQs

What should I do if my farro is overcooked?

If your farro is overcooked and mushy, it can be challenging to salvage. Try mixing it with some fresh, uncooked farro to balance the texture. Alternatively, use it in soups or as a base for a grain bowl where the added moisture won't be as noticeable.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?

If the salad tastes too sweet, you can balance it out by adding a pinch of salt or more black pepper to enhance overall flavor. Alternatively, an extra splash of balsamic vinegar can help cut the sweetness while adding depth to the dish.

Can I use quinoa instead of farro for this salad?

Yes, quinoa can be a great substitute for farro in this salad. It cooks more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just be aware that quinoa has a different texture and flavor, which will slightly change the overall profile of the dish.

Is there a specific time to add cranberries in the recipe?

Adding dried cranberries when the salad is mixed ensures they plump slightly but maintain their chewy texture. If added too early, they may absorb moisture and become overly soft, which could alter the dish's integrity.

What if I want to make this salad warm?

For a warm salad, simply serve the farro and roasted butternut squash immediately after cooking, without letting them cool down. This will create a cozy dish that highlights the warmth and sweetness of the ingredients.

What can I do if I don't like feta cheese?

If feta isn't your preference, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a creamier texture or leave it out entirely. The salad will still be flavorful, especially with the other ingredients contributing to the overall taste.

Conclusion

Farro salad with roasted butternut squash is a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with protein, it's sure to please your palate.

This recipe encourages creativity; feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences. Enjoying the process of assembling this hearty salad can inspire your future culinary adventures in the kitchen.

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