Photos by G. Giustolisi
One of the typical dishes of the Mediterranean Italian diet is Farro cooked in various ways, depending on the season. Farro is an ancient grain from the rich properties, with a rich protein content, higher than other cereals. Very valuable is the Tuscan Farro, it is often used in traditional winter soups. In summer, it can be used as an alternative to rice. Farro requires a very minimal cooking time and is readily available in Italian specialty shops (look for “Farro” and not “Spelt”, because Farro is not Spelt). 
Mediterranean Farro salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Use farro instead of rice in your summer sides for a nutrient-rich and delicious dish. Balsamic vinegar brings the salad together and wraps around the sweet tomatoes for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 1/2 oz) Farro
- 6 ripe tomatoes
- 2 red onions
- black pitted olives to taste
- balsamic vinegar to taste
- extra virgin olive oil to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut tomatoes and onions. Add the pitted olives and season with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to taste.
- In a saucepan, boil salted water.
- Rinse carefully the farro and pour into the pot of water.
- After 10 minutes, drain and season with vegetable salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
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- The Big Mediterranean Salad
- Celery and Parmesan Salad
- Mango, Mint, and Pea Salad
- Spring Salad Dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is farro the same as spelt, and does it matter which one I buy?
No — the article explicitly warns that farro and spelt are different grains and instructs you to look for a package labeled “Farro” rather than “Spelt.” Farro is an ancient Mediterranean grain available in Italian specialty shops, and the article especially recommends Tuscan farro for its quality.
How long does farro need to cook in this recipe?
The article notes that farro requires a very minimal cooking time — the instructions have you rinse and boil it in salted water for just 10 minutes before draining and tossing it with the tomato, onion, olive, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil dressing.
