Farro Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Peanut Dressing: Looking for a fresh and healthy meal that’s full of flavor? This Easy Farro Salad is the perfect choice! It’s packed with chewy farro, roasted sweet potatoes, colorful veggies, and tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. It’s great for a filling lunch or a tasty side dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and super satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Farro Salad
- 1 cup uncooked farro (I used pearled farro)
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame (thawed if frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) adzuki beans, chickpeas, or red beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted cashews
For the Spicy Peanut Dressing
- 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (add more if you like it spicier)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Bring about 3 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the farro and cook it for around 15 minutes. It should be tender but still a little chewy. Drain the water and let the farro cool.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potato
While the farro is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cut the sweet potato into small pieces, about 1/2 inch. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and toss well. Spread the pieces out evenly and roast for about 25 minutes until they are soft and golden. Set them aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, Sriracha, and ground ginger. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing feels too thick, add a few tablespoons of warm water to thin it out.
Step 4: Put Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted sweet potato, red cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, edamame, beans, and cashews. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix everything really well.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your fresh, healthy, and colorful Farro Salad!
This Easy Farro Salad is not just healthy but also full of bold flavors and textures. The chewy farro, sweet roasted potatoes, crunchy veggies, and spicy peanut dressing create a delicious balance in every bite. It’s perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or even as a hearty side dish for dinners. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how filling it feels. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome meal that’s as vibrant as it is tasty!
FAQs
What is farro?
Farro is a type of ancient whole grain that’s chewy, nutty, and full of fiber and protein. It’s a healthy option for salads, soups, and bowls.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Of course! Feel free to use chickpeas, red beans, black beans, or any other beans you like instead of adzuki beans.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, farro contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free version, you can replace farro with quinoa or brown rice.
How spicy is the peanut dressing?
The peanut dressing has a mild kick from Sriracha. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha to your liking.
