Working in an office has its perks.
Not many, but there are a few – for example, internet connectivity, air conditioning, and proximity to office supplies. But the real bonus is working next to an awesome lunch spot. They make Fridays so much sweeter.
I have raved about Viga Italian Eatery on this blog before, I mentioned their roast beef sandwiches and wraps. And now, they’ve done it again.
I picked up a side salad to go along with a half sandwich one day, and the side salad stole the show! The farro salad I had was so good, I made sure to remember the ingredients. A week later, I recreated the salad at home – almost as good as their original recipe – and now I’m sharing it with you.
I guess I should explain what farro is, in case you’ve never heard of it. Farro is a grain that cooks up quickly like pasta. It has a chewy texture that lends itself to a variety of uses. Served warm or cold, savory or sweet, morning or night, farro is a versatile pantry staple. I saw it once on Daily Garnish, and bought a bag out of curiosity.
Back to this delicious salad. I love it because it is a mix between pasta and veggie salad, filling without being too heavy.
Farro Salad
Serves one | Prep ahead time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup cooked farro
- bed of romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced green beans
- 2 tbs diced red pepper*
- 1 tbs diced red onion
- handful crumbled feta cheese
- Italian dressing
*Instead of red bell pepper, Viga used peppadew. Who in the world has peppadew on hand?
Directions:
Prepare farro per packaging, drain, and allow to cool completely in fridge (about 2 hours). Clean and chop vegetables. Layer romaine, veggies, cheese, and farro. Top with Italian dressing. Serve immediately.
I should mention that the salad you see pictured in this post was actually way too big.
I put more than 1/3 cup of farro when I made this the first time, so I only made it 60% through the meal before I was completely stuffed. I made another batch of farro, and I have been sprinkling 1/4 cup on top of all my salads. It’s a quick way to bulk up a salad and feel full, faster.
Feel Full Faster with Farro – that’s not a bad tag line, is it?
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Why do I feel like your Viga is better than my Viga! I dont go there often, or maybe I’m just not ordering the right thing but I havent loved the place like you do
But that farro salad sounds AWESSOME! I’ve made a farro salad before, love that chewy grain. Also you SHOULD get some peppadews!! They are little bites of heaven…sweet but tangy and with a kick! Yay office working!
Yum, that salad looks so bright and cheerful!
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