Farro Salad with Haloumi
You can replace the farro with other grains such as barley, oats or quinoa; boiled wild rice is great, too. Wake up your taste buds by roasting spices like fennel, coriander and cumin seeds, then crush and sprinkle over salads like this one. I also like to barbecue a couple of hot chillies, then crush them into the salad.
You can replace the farro with other grains such as barley, oats or quinoa; boiled wild rice is great, too. Wake up your taste buds by roasting spices like fennel, coriander and cumin seeds, then crush and sprinkle over salads like this one. I also like to barbecue a couple of hot chillies, then crush them into the salad.
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- juice of 2 lemons
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 400 slices
- 175 g farro (or other grain)
- 3 handfuls flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 handful mint finely shredded
- 3 spring onions sliced into fine rounds
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and finely
- 125 ml extra virgin olive oil plus extra
- Carbohydrate 9.34111 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.10838 g
- Fiber 1.32504997637868 g
- Protein 1.05094 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0090435 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (120g)
- Sodium 48.268 mg
- Sugar 8.01606002362132 g
- Trans Fat 0.0760325 g
- Calories 37 calories
Step-by-step
- Simmer the farro for about 15 minutes in salted boiling water - you still need a good bite to it. Drain and dry.
- Put the farro in a bowl and add the parsley, mint, red onion, spring onions and vine-ripened tomatoes. Mix well.
- Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the farro and mix through thoroughly.
- Place a pan onto the stove on a high heat and add a splash of extra virgin olive oil. When hot, add the haloumi slices and cook on one side for a minute until they turn brown and a crust forms.
- Turn over and repeat.
- TO SERVE, slice up the haloumi, divide between 4 plates and spoon over the farro salad.
A Busy Mom's Go-To Summer Salad: Farro with Haloumi
Summer is here, and with it comes the relentless juggling act of work, family, and trying to maintain a semblance of a healthy lifestyle. Let's be honest, sometimes the last thing I want to do after a long day is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying farro salad with haloumi. It's the perfect weeknight meal – healthy, flavorful, and ready in a flash. No more compromising on taste or nutrition just because time is tight!
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Farro, a nutty whole grain, provides a hearty base, but feel free to swap it out for other grains like barley, quinoa, or even wild rice. I love the slightly chewy texture of farro, but the options are endless. The vibrant mix of fresh herbs – parsley and mint – adds a refreshing lift, perfectly complemented by the salty tang of halloumi cheese. This isn't your average salad; it's a complete meal, packed with protein and complex carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout your busy day. And the best part? The preparation is a breeze.
The haloumi, pan-fried to golden perfection, adds a satisfying richness and delightful texture contrast to the fresh salad. I usually find myself making a double batch because everyone in my family adores it – from my picky eater son to my husband, who can't resist a good salad when it's this flavorful. It's also easily customizable. Need a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want a more intense herby flavor? Throw in some chopped dill or oregano. The possibilities are as endless as my to-do list, making this salad a constant in our household.
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this farro salad is also fantastic for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on the weekend, storing it in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a true lifesaver on those days when even the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. Simply grab a container from the fridge, add a quick pan-fried haloumi, and dinner is served.
But let's not overlook the simple pleasure of this salad. It's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients—a reminder that even amid the chaos of everyday life, a healthy and delicious meal can be easily achieved. It's not just about sustenance; it's about taking a moment to savor the flavors and appreciate the simple things, a small act of self-care in the midst of a busy schedule. This farro salad is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about finding delicious and easy solutions that nourish our bodies and souls, leaving us feeling energized and ready to tackle whatever the day throws our way.
So, next time you're searching for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal, give this farro salad a try. It's become a staple in my kitchen, a reliable and satisfying option that's always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that brings a sense of calm and satisfaction to even the most hectic days, proving that even busy moms can enjoy fresh, flavorful, and healthy meals.
Tips and Variations:
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) would add a lovely textural contrast.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can add a nice kick.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: Omit the halloumi for a vegetarian version. For a vegan alternative, consider using grilled firm tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Change up the grains: Experiment with different grains like barley, quinoa, or wild rice.
- Add some sweetness: A handful of dried cranberries or chopped apricots would add a delightful sweetness.
Enjoy!
