Farro and Beet Salad with Feta and Bright Herb Dressing

Farro and beet salad combines hearty ancient grains with the earthy sweetness of golden beets for a nutritional powerhouse that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This vibrant salad features tender golden beets, nutty farro, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a fragrant herbed dressing that infuses every bite with fresh flavor. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch option or a show-stopping side dish for your next gathering, this golden beet salad delivers both nutrition and sophisticated taste.

The magic of this beetroot and kale salad lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chewy farro provides a wonderful base, while the sweet golden beets add vibrant color and earthy sweetness. Toasted maple pecans contribute a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness, while tangy feta cheese brings a creamy, salty element that ties everything together. This ferro salad isn’t just delicious – it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Ingredients for Farro and Beet Salad

Main Ingredients

• 3 golden beets
• 1 cup farro
• 1¾ cups vegetable broth
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably a good-quality tangy and creamy one in water so it’s not too dry)
• ⅓ cup pecans

For the Herbed Dressing

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
• Juice of half a lemon
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Maple Pecans

• ⅓ cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (preferably Grade B)
• 1 small dash cayenne pepper
• Piece of foil sprayed with nonstick spray

How to Make Farro and Beet Salad

Preparing the Golden Beets

1. Preheat the oven to 385°F. Wash and trim the beets (don’t peel them yet), then wrap each one individually in foil or place them snugly in a small baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
2. Roast the beets for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool until you can handle them.
3. Once cooled enough to handle, peel the beets and chop them into ½-inch cubes. Set aside.

Cooking the Farro

1. While the beets are roasting, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan.
2. Add the farro to the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
3. Cook the farro until it’s just on the tender side of al dente, about 15 to 25 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

Preparing the Herbed Dressing

1. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan until very warm (but not hot).
2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chives, sage, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, lemon juice, and at least ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Whisk all ingredients together and let rest until ready to use.

Making the Maple Pecans

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the pecans.
2. When the skillet is warm, pour in the maple syrup and the dash of cayenne pepper.
3. Stir continuously until the pecans are evenly coated and the syrup is bubbling nicely.
4. Pour the glazed pecans onto the prepared foil and let cool completely.

Assembling the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farro and chopped golden beets.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese and the cooled maple pecans.
3. Whisk the herbed dressing again and pour it over the salad.
4. Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and season with additional salt to taste.

Tips & Variations for Perfect Beet and Feta Salad

Ingredient Swaps

• Beet Variations: While this recipe calls for golden beets, you can also use red beets for a more vibrant color, or mix both red and golden beets for a stunning visual contrast in your beetroot and kale salad. Just note that red beets will stain the farro and other ingredients.

• Grain Options: Don’t have farro? Substitute with other hearty grains like pearled barley, wheat berries, or even brown rice. Each grain brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to the salad.

• Cheese Choices: If feta isn’t your preference, try this beet salad with goat cheese for a creamier, tangier flavor. Crumbled blue cheese also works beautifully with the sweetness of the beets.

Flavor Boosters

• Add Greens: Transform this into a full kale farro salad by adding 2 cups of finely chopped kale or baby spinach. The hearty greens complement the chewy farro perfectly.

• Citrus Kick: For a brighter flavor profile, add segments of orange or grapefruit to your salad. The citrus complements the earthy beets beautifully.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the dressing—try dill, parsley, or tarragon for a different flavor dimension.

Texture Enhancers

• Crunchy Additions: For extra texture, add thinly sliced fennel, crisp apple chunks, or toasted walnuts instead of pecans.

• Creamy Element: Incorporate avocado chunks for a buttery, creamy component that pairs wonderfully with the beets and feta.

Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad

Alternative Dressing Options

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: The sweet tanginess of balsamic vinegar beautifully complements the earthy flavor of beets in this farro salad with feta. Simply whisk together 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 5 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: For a brighter, more herbaceous flavor profile, combine the juice of one lemon, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. This light, citrusy dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the golden beets.

• Creamy Feta Dressing: Double down on the feta flavor by blending ¼ cup crumbled feta with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a small garlic clove. This creamy, tangy dressing is perfect for a richer beet and feta cheese salad experience.

• Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: For a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the golden beets, whisk together 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar, and 5 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

What to Serve With This Salad

Main Course Pairings

This golden beet salad works beautifully as both a standalone lunch and a side dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside:

• Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: The bright, citrusy flavors of grilled chicken complement the earthy sweetness of the beets and nutty farro.

• Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp: The delicate flavor of shrimp pairs wonderfully with the robust textures and flavors of this hearty salad.

• Seared Salmon: A simple piece of salmon provides the perfect protein to turn this salad into a nutritious complete meal.

Complementary Sides

• Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of rustic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful herbed dressing.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted sweet potatoes echoes the natural sweetness of the golden beets.

• Creamy Soup: A light soup, like creamy vegetable or chicken noodle, creates a satisfying lunch or dinner combination.

Storage Tips for Beet and Farro Salad

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

This farro and beet salad keeps remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prep. For best results:

• Assembled Salad: If you’ve already mixed all ingredients with the dressing, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop and improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead option.

• Component Storage: For maximum freshness, store the components separately. Keep the cooked farro, roasted beets, candied pecans, and dressing in separate containers. The farro and beets will last 4-5 days, while the dressing will stay fresh for up to a week. The candied pecans can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

• Before Serving: If storing assembled salad, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, as the olive oil in the dressing may solidify slightly in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle toss to redistribute the flavors.

FAQs About Farro and Beet Salad

Conclusion

A Celebration of Texture and Flavor

This farro and beet salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. The chewy farro, sweet golden beets, crunchy maple pecans, and tangy feta create a symphony of textures and flavors that make each bite exciting. The herbed dressing ties everything together with its bright, aromatic notes.

Whether you’re serving this as a hearty lunch, a dinner side dish, or bringing it to your next potluck, this versatile salad is sure to impress. The beautiful golden color of the beets makes for a stunning presentation that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. Give this nutritious, delicious farro and beet salad a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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