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Farro Salad with Pistachios, Dried Cherries, and Pecorino Recipe

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3.9 from 47 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Farro Salad featuring nutty pistachios, sweet dried cherries, tangy pecorino cheese, and fresh oregano. This wholesome dish combines tender farro simmered to perfection with a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect as a nutritious side or a light main course.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry farro
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecorino cheese, rustic crumbled
  • Fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Farro: In a saucepan, combine the dry farro with 3 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the saucepan. Let the farro simmer until tender, about 18-25 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess water and set the farro aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Mix-Ins: While the farro cooks, roughly chop the pistachios, dried cherries, and fresh oregano leaves using a knife. For the pecorino cheese, create rustic crumbles by gently spearing the top of the cheese block with a knife, avoiding uniform pieces to maintain a homemade texture.
  3. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked farro, chopped pistachios, dried cherries, pecorino cheese, and oregano. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to combine all flavors and ingredients evenly.
  4. Serve: The salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to preference. Garnish with additional fresh oregano if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Substitute dried cherries with dried cranberries or raisins if preferred.
  • To make it vegan, omit the pecorino cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Farro texture can vary by brand; check for doneness after 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian