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charlie bird farro salad

Charlie Bird Farro Salad

A restaurant-inspired grain salad featuring nutty farro, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemon vinaigrette for a balanced, nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Farro
  • 1 cup farro preferably Italian pearled farro
  • 2 cups water or substitute chicken broth for more flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salad
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup mixed greens arugula works particularly well
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup radishes thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped (parsley, mint, or basil)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds toasted (optional)
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until tender but still chewy, about 25-30 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess liquid and spread the cooked farro on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.
  4. While the farro cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Once the farro has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and toss with half of the dressing while still warm.
  6. Add the shredded chicken, mixed greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, radishes, and herbs to the dressed farro.
  7. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  8. Top with feta cheese and toasted sunflower seeds if using.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For an authentic Charlie Bird experience, cook the farro in apple cider instead of water.
  • This salad keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or white beans.
  • The farro can be cooked up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.