Rainbow Farro Salad

🌈 Rainbow Farro Salad – A Colorful Bowl of Fresh & Wholesome! 🍋

Hey there, sunshine seeker! If you’re craving something that looks like joy in a bowl and tastes just as bright—you’ve found it. Say hello to the Rainbow Farro Salad, the dish that brings color, crunch, and tons of flavor to your table in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard potluck, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a reset dish after a weekend of indulgence, this salad is your new best friend.

Let’s dive into why this bowl of beauty is about to earn a permanent place in your rotation. Spoiler: it’s hearty, healthy, and basically edible confetti.

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🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad

Rainbow Farro Salad is more than just a pretty face. It’s packed with:

• Whole grains for long-lasting energy

• Fresh produce that screams summer

• Natural sweetness from berries and corn

• Zippy lemon vinaigrette that brightens every bite

It’s also ridiculously easy to make and holds up beautifully in the fridge. That means it’s just as perfect for lunchboxes and picnics as it is for dinner parties and BBQ spreads.

But the real reason I love this salad? It brings people together. It’s the kind of dish you set on the table and—within minutes—people are asking for the recipe, scooping seconds, and asking “wait… are those blueberries?!”

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🌾 What Is Farro, Anyway?

Before we jump into the chopping and tossing, let’s talk farro.

Farro is a nutty, chewy ancient grain that’s been making waves in modern kitchens—and for good reason. It’s loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and a subtle earthiness that makes it the perfect base for salads, soups, and grain bowls.

You can usually find it near the rice and quinoa at your local grocery store. Look for pearled farro—it cooks faster and has a tender but toothsome bite. If you’re gluten-sensitive, substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or even buckwheat.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (And Easy Swaps)

This is what I call a “clean-out-the-fridge” kind of salad. But even when I’m starting from scratch, here’s my go-to list:

Base:

• 1 cup cooked farro, cooled (about ½ cup dry farro cooked according to package directions)

Fresh Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¾ cup fresh or grilled corn kernels

• ½ cup fresh blueberries (yes, trust me!)

• ¼ cup fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, chopped

Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette:

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ons:

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds

• Avocado chunks

• Arugula or spinach

• Chickpeas or white beans for extra protein

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Rainbow Farro Salad

Ready to toss together a bowl of sunshine? Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Cook the Farro

Cook farro according to the package (usually 15–30 minutes). Rinse with cold water and drain well. Let it cool—no one wants soggy salad.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it. Easy, zippy, and wildly addictive. You’ll want to pour it on everything.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, corn, blueberries, and fresh herbs. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Chill (Or Not)

Chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors mingle, or serve right away if you’re impatient like me. It’s delicious either way.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with crumbled cheese or a sprinkle of toasted seeds if desired. Serve it up and bask in the compliments.

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🌟 The Magic of Colorful Ingredients

Let’s talk color—because this salad isn’t called “rainbow” for nothing.

• Red: Juicy cherry tomatoes

• Yellow: Sweet corn kernels

• Green: Fresh herbs (and greens if you toss them in)

• Blue/Purple: Plump, unexpected blueberries

• Beige: Nutty, chewy farro holding it all together

When you serve a dish this vibrant, it feels like a celebration. And bonus: those bright colors signal a wide range of antioxidants and nutrients. You’re feeding your body and your soul.

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🧺 When to Serve This Salad

Rainbow Farro Salad plays well with just about everything. It’s the kind of dish that earns invites to:

• Summer BBQs and potlucks

• Lunch on the go

• Light but satisfying weeknight dinners

• Bridal or baby showers (trust me—it looks like a celebration!)

• Meatless Mondays

• “Ugh, I need a reset” days

It holds its own as a main dish or works as a fresh, flavorful side with grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or even a slice of quiche.

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🌀 Variations to Keep It Fresh

Want to shake things up? Here are some of my favorite ways to remix this salad depending on what’s in season or in the fridge:

Autumn Vibes 🍂

Swap corn and tomatoes for roasted sweet potato cubes, apple slices, and pomegranate seeds. Use a maple-Dijon vinaigrette for cozy flavor.

Mediterranean Mood 🧄

Add kalamata olives, cucumber, feta, and red onion. Swap the lemon vinaigrette for a garlicky Greek dressing.

Protein Power-Up 💪

Stir in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or smoked salmon for a hearty grain bowl.

Brunch Twist 🥚

Top with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Trust me—it’s next-level.

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📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is meal-prep GOLD. Here’s why:

• Make ahead? Totally! It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The farro and vinaigrette actually get better after a little soak time.

• Packing lunch? Keep it chilled in a mason jar or bento box. Add greens or toppings right before eating.

• Doubling the recipe? Yes, queen. This salad disappears fast, especially at gatherings. Make extra—you won’t regret it.

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🥄 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s what you’re getting in each generous serving (about 1 cup):

• Calories: ~230

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 9g

• Fiber: 4g

It’s balanced, nutrient-dense, and leaves you feeling full and refreshed. A win-win, always.

Print

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💬 Fun Fact: The Blueberry Backstory

You might be wondering, “Blueberries? In a grain salad?” Oh yes. The first time I added them, it was a happy accident—I had extra berries from a breakfast board and tossed a few in. Their pop of sweetness and color made the salad go from “solid side” to star of the show. Now I never skip them.

Pro tip: Toss them in gently at the end to avoid smooshing!

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Final Thoughts: A Bowl Full of Happy 🌈🥗

Rainbow Farro Salad is a recipe that makes you feel good. It’s nourishing without being boring, colorful without being complicated, and flexible enough to suit whatever’s hanging out in your fridge or pantry.

More than anything, it’s the kind of dish that turns everyday meals into little celebrations. With its zesty lemon dressing, fresh produce, and nutty farro base, this salad brings flavor, texture, and good vibes only to the table.

So go on—grab a big bowl, get your chop on, and toss together something beautiful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this colorful, wholesome salad is the kind of food that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Stay zesty, stay colorful, and happy cooking! 🍋💛