Ah, summer! The season that calls for vibrant, fresh salads that make you feel alive. My absolute favorite during those sunny picnics is this green bean and farro picnic salad. It’s not just healthy—packed with fiber and protein—it’s also a breeze to whip up! Picture crisp green beans mingling with chewy farro, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. I love bringing this salad to outdoor gatherings because it’s so colorful and refreshing. Plus, it holds up really well, so I don’t have to worry about it wilting away in the heat. Trust me, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
To make this delightful green bean and farro picnic salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 1 cup of farro
- 2 cups of water
- 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or what you have on hand! Enjoy the process!
How to Prepare the Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
Making this green bean and farro picnic salad is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
Cooking the Farro
Start by rinsing 1 cup of farro under cold water. Then, combine it with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water and set it aside to cool. Trust me, this chewy grain gives the salad a delightful texture!
Preparing the Green Beans
While the farro cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 pound of trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for achieving that vibrant color and crunch!
Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, green beans, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure it’s mixed evenly. The colors will make your heart sing!
Making the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the dressing to your liking—maybe a bit more lemon for brightness!
Chilling the Salad
Pour the dressing over your salad and toss it all together. Now, here’s the secret: let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious!
Nutritional Information for Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
This green bean and farro picnic salad is not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving roughly contains 250 calories, 12g of fat, 8g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in 5g of fiber! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy summer days!
- Refreshing and healthy, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.
- Absolutely fantastic for picnics and gatherings, bringing a burst of color to your spread.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for all your plant-loving friends!
- Can be made in advance for convenience—just chill and serve!
Tips for Success with Your Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
To truly elevate your green bean and farro picnic salad, here are a few pro tips! First, feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to match your taste—if you love a zesty kick, add a splash more lemon juice! When cooking the farro, keep an eye on it; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. For the green beans, blanching just until tender-crisp is key to retaining that gorgeous crunch. And don’t skip the chilling step—letting the salad rest in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making each bite irresistible!
Variations of the Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are so many fun variations for this green bean and farro picnic salad! You can add different veggies like roasted bell peppers, diced cucumbers, or even some sweet corn for extra crunch and sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile, bringing a garden-fresh vibe to your dish. Want to make it more filling? Toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken for a protein boost. And for a zesty twist, try adding a hint of Dijon mustard to the dressing. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your green bean and farro picnic salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. I love making this salad ahead of time, so I often double the recipe for easy lunches! Just remember, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If it seems a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, just drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delightful!
Share Your Thoughts!
I’d love to hear what you think about this green bean and farro picnic salad! Have you tried making it? What variations did you come up with? Please leave a comment below to share your experiences, ask any questions, or just say hi! Your feedback makes my day!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
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Green Bean and Farro Picnic Salad: 5 Irresistible Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and refreshing green bean and farro picnic salad.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook farro in water according to package instructions.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain and transfer green beans to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust dressing ingredients to taste.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: green bean and farro picnic salad