Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad with Honey Roasted Parsnips and Arugula - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad with Honey Roasted Parsnips and Arugula

Looking for a hearty, zesty dish that feels like a warm hug from the countryside? This Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad has it all—nutty farro, sweet honey-roasted parsnips, peppery arugula, and a bright lemony zip. It's fresh, cozy, and bursting with flavor! Let’s get cooking!

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Oh, the joys of a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet! Let me introduce you to the Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad with Honey Roasted Parsnips and Arugula. This hearty, flavorful salad has “countryside charm” written all over it. Imagine a cozy kitchen with a gentle breeze wafting in as you whip up something earthy and delicious—yep, that's exactly what this salad brings to mind. Nutty farro, sweet and caramelized parsnips kissed with honey, and the peppery bite of fresh arugula all come together, harmonized by a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s a salad, a side dish, or honestly, just an excuse to use parsnips in all their underrated glory!

Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad With Honey Roasted Parsnips And Arugula Recipe

What makes this salad really shine is the balance of flavors and textures. Farro, the ancient grain that’s been a staple in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries, lends its chewy goodness and nutty flavor as the base. But the honey-roasted parsnips? Oh, they’re the showstoppers! Roasting brings out their natural sweetness while the honey gives them a perfectly golden caramelized glaze. Toss in some arugula for that peppery freshness and a lemony dressing that’s as bright as sunshine. To elevate things even further, there’s a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think dill, parsley, or chives—for a pop of vibrant green and a little extra zing. This salad truly dances between sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite!

Now, a few tips to ensure your farro salad reaches peak perfection. First, don’t rush the roasting! Give the parsnips plenty of time to develop those deep caramelized edges—they're worth the wait. Want to bring out farro’s flavor even more? Cook it in vegetable broth rather than water. It’s a game-changer! Oh, and don’t throw the dressing on too soon. Wait until just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh. If you're batch-cooking this beauty, store the components separately until you're ready to assemble—this way, nothing turns into a soggy situation. Trust me, crispy honey-roasted parsnips deserve their moment.

I can’t wait for you to try this Rustic Lemon Herb Farro Salad! It’s fantastic on its own as a wholesome lunch, or you can pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or even some feta cheese crumbles for extra protein and flair. Feel free to experiment—add thinly sliced radishes, toasted almonds, or even a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a star addition to a potluck, this salad is guaranteed to make you feel like a culinary genius. Ready to take that first bite? Go for it, and let me know how you make it your own!

Keywords: rustic farro salad recipe, honey roasted parsnip salad, lemon herb farro dish, arugula and farro salad, easy grain salad recipe, Mediterranean-inspired salad idea, hearty vegetarian salad recipe

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 cup farro, rinsed
  • 3 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 ounces arugula
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the farro, water or vegetable broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the farro is tender but still chewy. Drain excess liquid and set aside to cool slightly.

  3. 3

    While the farro is cooking, toss the chopped parsnips with 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey, and ground black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and thyme to create the dressing.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted parsnips, arugula, feta cheese (if using), and chopped toasted almonds.

  6. 6

    Drizzle the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

8g

Carbs

42g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute farro with another grain?

A: Yes, you can substitute farro with other hearty grains like barley, quinoa, or brown rice. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid quantity as needed, since different grains absorb liquid differently and may have varying cook times.

Q: What can I use instead of honey for roasting the parsnips?

A: If you prefer not to use honey, you can replace it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, a small sprinkle of brown sugar can also work well for caramelization.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?

A: To make the recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. Also, ensure that the sweetener you use for the roasted parsnips, such as agave or maple syrup, is suitable for a vegan diet.

Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the arugula and dressing separate if possible, as the greens may wilt when mixed with the dressing over time.

Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare components of this salad ahead of time. Cook the farro, roast the parsnips, and prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.

Q: How can I adjust the flavors to suit my taste?

A: Feel free to customize the flavors by adding more lemon juice or zest for extra tang, increasing herbs for a more robust flavor, or using spices like smoked paprika or cumin on the parsnips for added depth. You can also add more feta or almonds for richness and crunch.

Q: What are some good variations or additions to this salad?

A: You can add roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots for extra vegetables. For added protein, include chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also provide a nice sweet contrast to the flavors in the salad.

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