I absolutely love this Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe because it’s hearty yet refreshing—a perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more. Farro gives a wonderful nutty bite that holds up beautifully against the bright, tangy flavors of lemon, fresh dill, and creamy feta. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad fits the bill effortlessly.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how easily it comes together and how adaptable it is. You’ll find that it’s brilliant for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or even meal prepping since the flavors deepen over time. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it just as nourishing as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutty and Hearty: Farro adds a satisfying texture that stays firm, making the salad more filling than your typical green salad.
- Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: The combo of fresh dill, lemon, olives, and feta brings a bright, tangy punch every time.
- Simple and Quick: It’s ready in about 15 minutes, great for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better after a day or two.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe plays a key role. I always recommend picking ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh dill for the best flavor, and using a good-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Cooked Farro: Use a nutty, chewy farro variety like Bob’s Red Mill; cooking it just right ensures the perfect salad texture.
- Tomato: I like to pick vine-ripened tomatoes for sweetness and juiciness that balance the tangier ingredients.
- Red Pepper: Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness; I always seed it to avoid any bitterness.
- Red Onion: Minced finely to add a gentle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Kalamata Olives: Chop them up so their briny flavor spreads evenly throughout the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings that creamy, salty element I find absolutely essential here.
- Fresh Dill: Minced dill adds an aromatic herbal freshness that ties the salad together.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Enhances brightness and lifts all the flavors; freshly zested and squeezed is best.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I always use good quality to make the dressing smooth and rich.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste—season carefully so each bite sings.
Variations
I love how flexible this Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe can be. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on what I have on hand and the season, and it always works beautifully. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Adding some grilled protein turns this salad into a satisfying main dish — my go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out feta for a tangy vegan cheese or eliminate it altogether if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Seasonal Veggies: Try swapping red peppers for cucumbers in summer or roasted beets in fall for a twist on flavors and textures.
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I substitute dill with fresh parsley or mint for a slightly different herbal note.
How to Make Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Farro Perfectly
Begin by cooking your farro until tender but still chewy—about 20-30 minutes depending on the brand. I like to rinse it first to remove any dust, then cook it in plenty of water like pasta. Once cooked, drain and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the salad. This step is key because warm farro can wilt the veggies and herbs.
Step 2: Chop and Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Dice your tomato and red pepper into bite-size pieces, and finely mince the red onion and kalamata olives. Add these to a large bowl along with the cooled farro. Then, sprinkle in the fresh dill and crumbled feta. Mixing it all upfront ensures every bite is packed with those classic Greek salad flavors.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Next, add the lemon zest and juice followed by the olive oil. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You’ll notice the lemon and olive oil bring everything alive—it’s such a vibrant combo!
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marinate
While it’s tempting to dig in right away, I recommend letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the farro to soak up the flavors and the dill to infuse the whole dish. I often make this salad a few hours ahead or even the night before—it tastes even better the next day!
Pro Tips for Making Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe
- Cook Farro Al Dente: Don’t overcook your farro; it should be tender yet chewy to prevent the salad from turning mushy.
- Add Dressing Gradually: I like to start with less lemon juice and olive oil, then adjust after tasting to avoid overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Chop Everything Uniformly: Keeping veggies and olives evenly sized helps each forkful get a balanced mix of flavors.
- Wait to Add Extra Dressing: When storing leftovers, sometimes the farro absorbs dressing—add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice right before serving for freshness.
How to Serve Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
I love to finish this salad with a few fresh dill sprigs on top for a gorgeous presentation and an extra aroma boost. Sometimes I sprinkle just a little more crumbled feta or even a few toasted pine nuts for added crunch—both give it an elegant touch when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially lamb or chicken kebabs, for a Mediterranean feast. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or simply enjoyed with warm, crusty bread to soak up the tangy dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers to add a fun, festive flair. Another trick I picked up is layering it in a clear glass bowl showing off all the colorful ingredients—it makes a striking centerpiece for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After trying this salad several times, I found storing it in an airtight container in the fridge keeps it fresh up to five days. Over time, the farro tends to soak up the dressing, so I recommend adding a bit of extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving leftovers to brighten it back up.
Freezing
I’ve personally avoided freezing this Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe because fresh veggies and feta don’t always freeze well; they can get watery or crumbly. To keep textures perfect, I suggest making smaller batches if you want to prep in advance instead.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually just take leftovers straight from the fridge and let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. If you’re craving a warm bite, you can gently warm the farro alone and then toss it with the fresh ingredients and dressing afterward.
FAQs
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Can I use other grains instead of farro for this Greek salad?
Absolutely! While farro is great for its chewy texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute with quinoa, barley, or couscous. Just adjust cooking times and make sure the grain is fully cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.
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How do I keep the feta from making the salad soggy?
Using crumbled feta rather than big chunks helps it distribute evenly without overwhelming the salad. Also, adding the dressing gradually and serving the salad chilled helps maintain texture without sogginess.
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Is fresh dill really necessary, or can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill offers a vibrant herbal note that dried dill just can’t match. If you only have dried, use a smaller amount—it’s more concentrated—but I highly recommend using fresh whenever possible for best flavor.
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Can I prepare this salad entirely in advance?
You can prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead, which actually enhances the flavors. Just wait to add any extra dressing until right before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe countless times, and it never disappoints—whether for a casual family dinner or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Its balance of textures and fresh Mediterranean flavors feels like a little sunshine on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own; I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
PrintFarro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Greek-inspired salad featuring chewy farro, juicy tomatoes, crisp red peppers, tangy kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all tossed with fresh dill and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
Grains
- 2 cups cooked Bob’s Red Mill Organic Farro
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 red pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ cup red onion, minced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
Dairy
- 4 ounces feta, crumbled
Dressing
- 1 zest and juice of lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked farro, diced tomato, diced red pepper, minced red onion, minced kalamata olives, and fresh dill until evenly mixed.
- Add Dressing: Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, olive oil, or lemon juice as desired for balance.
Notes
- This salad holds well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Over time, the farro will absorb the vinaigrette, so add more olive oil or lemon juice if serving a few days after preparation, or wait to add the dressing until right before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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