Farro Salad with Red Peppers and Green Beans

Adapted from Giada’s Kitchen

Farro, a type of Italian wheat, is a whole grain that closely resembles wheatberries. They are hearty and high in fiber. You can find farro near the pasta or in the bulk section of some grocery stores.

  • 10 oz. farro (about 1-1/2 cups)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into thin strips
  • 3 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Heat 4 cups of water in a saucepan. Add farro and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium-low. After about 20 minutes, farro should be tender. Add 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt and continue to simmer another 10 minutes or so. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Allow to cool.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. After a few minutes, drain and gently pat dry.
  • Combine cooled farro, green beans, olives, sliced bell pepper and cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
  • For the dressing, mix vinegar, oil, mustard, pepper and the last 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Mix well. Pour dressing over the farro mixture and toss well.
  • Quick Tips
  • 1. You can get pretty creative with this recipe. The way I’ve written it above closely mirror Giada’s original recipe with a few small modifications. Consider trying different types of olives, cheeses or adding different vegetables.
  • 2. If you are serving this as a stand-alone dish and want to round it out with some protein, try adding cubes of an Italian meat such as salami.
  • 3. As is the case with many dishes I make, you can serve this to the children deconstructed. Before you mix it all together with the dressing, set aside some of the farro, a handful of green beans, a few olives and some peppers. You might consider offering some dressing in a small pinch bowl for “dipping,” if your children like to dip.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 35 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

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