Apple Feta Farro Salad with Roasted Garlic Herb Dressing
Apple Feta Farro Salad with Roasted Garlic Herb Dressing is a wholesome, nutrient-rich salad that blends chewy farro, crisp apples, creamy feta, and fresh herbs with a deeply flavorful roasted garlic dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it ideal for lunch, meal prep, holiday tables, or a light yet satisfying dinner. The roasted garlic dressing adds a mellow, caramelized depth that ties everything together beautifully.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Farro Salad
1 cup pearled farro
3 cups vegetable broth
1 Honeycrisp apple, diced
¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
â…“ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Roasted Garlic Herb Dressing
1 whole roasted garlic bulb
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
Extra feta crumbles
Thin apple slices
Toasted walnuts
Fresh parsley and thyme
Instructions
Cook the Farro
Rinse farro under cold water. In a medium pot, combine farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Roasted Garlic Dressing
Roast the garlic bulb until soft and golden, then squeeze out the cloves into a bowl. Mash until smooth.
Whisk together roasted garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined and creamy.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled farro, diced apple, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve
Garnish with extra feta, walnuts, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Tips
Cool farro completely before mixing to prevent soggy salad.
Use Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and crunch.
Toast walnuts lightly to enhance flavor and texture.
Roast garlic until golden and soft for a sweeter, mellow taste.
Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing the salad.
Let the salad rest for 15–30 minutes before serving for better flavor absorption.
Use fresh herbs generously for brightness.
Dice ingredients evenly for balanced bites.
Store dressing separately if preparing ahead for meal prep.
Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to refresh flavors.
Variations
Replace farro with quinoa or bulgur for a gluten-free option.
Swap feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Include roasted butternut squash for a fall-inspired version.
Add pomegranate seeds for a festive twist.
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds.
Use pears instead of apples for a softer sweetness.
Add arugula for a peppery green base.
Make it vegan by omitting feta and using maple syrup instead of honey.
Add avocado for extra creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep dressing separate for best texture.
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient grain with a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes, it can be served warm or cold depending on preference.
Can I freeze farro salad?
No, it does not freeze well due to fresh vegetables.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith all work well.
Can I skip roasting garlic?
Yes, but roasted garlic gives a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, but you can substitute quinoa for a gluten-free version.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas are great additions.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories: 410
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: 20% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Conclusion
Apple Feta Farro Salad with Roasted Garlic Herb Dressing is a vibrant, nourishing dish that brings together wholesome grains, crisp produce, creamy feta, and a deeply flavorful dressing. It’s refreshing yet hearty, making it perfect for any season. With its balance of textures and flavors, this salad is both satisfying and versatile, ideal for meal prep, gatherings, or a simple healthy meal at home.