Green Bean Farro Salad
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🔎 A quick look at this recipe
- What It Is: A simple, hearty vegetarian side dish built around chewy farro, crisp-tender green beans, and crumbled feta cheese tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 366
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Good For: An easy side dish, using in-season green beans, ways to use farro, whole grain recipe ideas.
Get even more quick info about this recipe on…
🌟 Why this recipe works
This is one of what I call those “stare into the fridge” recipes, wherein I stare into the fridge at my various bits and pieces of leftovers waiting for inspiration to strike.
We have a strict No Ingredient Left Behind Rule in our house, and in this case, I had a pile of green beans and a hunk of feta cheese left over from my recipe for whipped feta dip. And all of the sudden it hit me.
FARRO. I could pair those green beans and feta cheese cheese with this delicious grain and a light dressing and have the perfect side dish that uses simple ingredients and minimal prep while still feeling fresh and substantial.
🧐 What is farro?
Farro is a delightful whole grain, kind of like barley. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and has a delectable, chewy texture and a nutty flavor. You can swap in farro for pretty much any recipe that calls for barley…and vice versa!
You can usually find farro right next to the rice and the barley in your friendly neighborhood grocery store. I highly recommend having some on hand at all times!
Not only does this make a fantabulous green bean salad side dish, but you can turn it into a full-fledged main course by adding shredded cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, chunks of tofu, or whatever your favorite protein is.
Yes to the yes…let’s make it!
Ingredients you need
💡 Ingredient substitution ideas
Missing something or want to swap in something different? Check out the links below to find more ingredient substitution ideas. 👇🏻
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities and nutritional information.
👩🏻🍳 How to make this recipe
STEP 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add two cups of trimmed green beans. Simmer for three minutes until they are crisp-tender, then pour them into a strainer and run them under cool water so they stop cooking.
STEP 2: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil (you can use the same pot!) and add a cup of farro and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until farro is tender, adding a little more water if it needs it (I like to start checking it after 20 minutes or so). Drain.
STEP 3: Pop the green beans and farro in a mixing bowl. Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 3 tablespoons of olive oil and toss.
STEP 4: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Add 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and give one more gentle toss. Grind a little more pepper on top and serve either warm or at room temperature.
🧐 Recipe FAQs
You can use barley, or even brown rice. But I really hope you find some farro – it’s the best!
100% yes! It’s the perfect salad to throw together on the weekend and have leftovers for busy weekday lunches, or to bring to a picnic.
No worries, I got you! Balsamic vinegar has a fair amount of sweetness to it, so take a tablespoon of red wine or apple cider vinegar, mix in a half teaspoon of sugar, and you have pretty good substitution!
Pop your question in the Comments section below the recipe card and I will answer pronto!
Not only does this make a fantabulous green bean salad side dish, but you can turn it into a full-fledged main course by adding shredded cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, chunks of tofu, or whatever your favorite protein is.
Three cheers for leftovers inspiration! And farro!
Green Bean Farro Salad
This hearty green bean farro salad recipe includes tangy feta cheese and a simple oil and vinegar dressing for a good and good for you side dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup farro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add green beans. Simmer for three minutes until they are crisp-tender, then drain and run them under cool water so they stop cooking.
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add farro and salt. Cover the pot, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until farro is tender, adding a little more water if it needs it. Drain.
- Place green beans and farro in a mixing bowl. Add vinegar and olive oil and toss.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Add crumbled feta cheese and give one more gentle toss. Grind a little more pepper on top and serve either warm or at room temperature.
This looks like the perfect summer recipe!
And your organized fridge–I am drooling with envy. It’s amazing!
Everyone else in my house thinks I am a little bonkers, but I do love my organized fridge! :)