I think farro might be the new quinoa. Two or three years
ago, no one really knew much about quinoa and you didn’t see many recipes for
it (or at least I didn’t). Now, it’s everywhere! Farro is definitely a less
popular grain, and yet I have the idea it’s gaining popularity. Cooking Light
recently featured a few different farro recipes. Their July issue also compared
different grains and farro is comparable in protein to quinoa, but (slightly)
lower in calories and higher in fiber.
Although this salad uses farro, you can just as easily
substitute quinoa, couscous, or another grain like barley. I ended up straying
from the original recipe, after realizing I’d forgotten to pick up a few of the
ingredients like fennel. Instead I added feta (can you ever go wrong adding
feta?) and some fresh thyme. I also cooked the farro a day ahead of time so the rest of the recipe took only a few minutes to put together. This was a hit with both Ryan and I—definitely
something I would make again. Not a tuna fan? Use cooked and shredded chicken
instead!
One Year Ago: Crazy Feta
Two Years Ago: Watermelon Salad with Feta, Balsamic, and Basil
Farro, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad
adapted from Cooking Light June 2012
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup uncooked farro
-3/4 tsp salt, divided
-4 cups water
-2 cups (2-inch) cut green beans (about 1/2 lb)
-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
-2 tbsp white wine vinegar
-1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-1 tsp Dijon mustard
-1 small garlic clove, minced
-1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
-1 cup grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
-1/8 cup thyme, chopped
-1/4 cup kalamata olives
-5 green onions, thinly sliced
-2 jars oil-packed tuna, drained
-feta cheese, to taste
Directions:
1. Combine farro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 60 minutes or until farro is tender but still slightly chewy. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Blanche green beans for 4 minutes (until crisp tender) in a medium saucepan filled two-thirds with water. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain.
3. Combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic in a small bowl, whisking to combine. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
4. Toss farro, beans, tomatoes, thyme, olives, and onions in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine. Flake tuna into large chunks and add to salad, tossing gently. Divide into bowls and top with feta.
