Farro Salad With Brown Butter Vinaigrette

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Brown butter makes everything better, and this hearty farro and vegetable salad is proof.

Warm Browned Butter Farro Salad
Photo:

Victor Protasio

Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4

There are so many genius things going on in this salad. First, it's a one-pot wonder because before the farro is fully cooked, chopped asparagus and a big handful of peas get added to the boiling water, omitting the use of another pot to cook the veggies. Second, toasty brown butter gets whisked into the vinaigrette to add richness and depth. Third, crunchy pistachios, juicy orange segments, and salty feta add big texture and flavor to the final dish. Bring this salad to the table at brunch or as a side for roasted chicken or fish.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3/4 cup farro

  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3-in. pieces

  • 1 cup frozen petite peas

  • 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup), divided 

  • 1/4 cup salted roasted pistachios, divided

  • 2 medium navel oranges, peeled and sliced into segments, divided

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tsp maple syrup

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt

  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Salad

  1. Combine farro, salt, and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. During last 5 minutes of cook time, stir in asparagus and peas; cover. Transfer mixture to a large bowl to cool slightly. 

Prepare the Dressing 

  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring often, until butter is just browned and smells nutty, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk oil into butter.

  2. Whisk vinegar, syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper in a high-sided bowl until combined. Slowly drizzle in butter mixture, whisking constantly, until dressing is smooth and emulsified. 

Assemble the Salad

  1. Add half of the feta, half of the pistachios, and 3/4 of the orange segments to farro mixture. Add dressing and toss to combine.

  2. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with remaining pistachios, feta, and orange segments. Sprinkle with tarragon. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

568 Calories
26g Fat
78g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 568
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 34%
Saturated Fat 11g 54%
Cholesterol 43mg 14%
Sodium 930mg 40%
Total Carbohydrate 78g 28%
Dietary Fiber 15g 55%
Total Sugars 42g
Protein 15g 29%
Vitamin C 218mg 242%
Calcium 269mg 21%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 1202mg 26%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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