Farro is a tasty and healthy grain that can add variety to your meals. It’s chewy, nutty, and full of fiber and protein.

You can use farro in many dishes, from salads to soups to side dishes.

Farro side dishes are easy to make and go well with many main courses. They can be simple or fancy, depending on what you add to them.

In this article, you’ll find 10 farro side dish recipes to try at home. These recipes will help you add more whole grains to your diet in yummy ways.

1. Herbed Farro Salad

Herbed farro salad is a tasty and nutritious side dish. It combines chewy farro with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

You can use parsley, mint, and arugula as your herb mix.

Add some cherry tomatoes and scallions for extra color and taste. A sprinkle of sumac gives it a tangy kick.

Lemon juice and olive oil make a simple dressing.

You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the farro to soak up the lemon juice, enhancing the flavors.

It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch.

2. Farro Mushroom Risotto

Farro mushroom risotto is a tasty twist on traditional risotto. You’ll love its nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Start by sautéing mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown.

Next, toast the farro in a pan to bring out its flavor. Add garlic, onions, and thyme for extra taste.

Slowly pour in warm broth, stirring often as the farro absorbs it.

Keep adding broth and stirring until the farro is tender but still has a slight bite. Mix in the cooked mushrooms and some Parmesan cheese.

Your creamy, flavorful farro mushroom risotto is now ready to serve.

3. Lemon Garlic Farro

Lemon garlic farro is a tasty and simple side dish you can make in about 20 minutes. It’s a great way to add flavor to your meals.

Start by cooking the farro in water or broth until it’s soft but still chewy. While it cooks, sauté some minced garlic in olive oil.

When the farro is done, mix it with the garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can also toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

This bright and zesty side goes well with many main dishes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and yummy.

4. Farro with Roasted Vegetables

Farro with roasted vegetables is a tasty and healthy side dish. You can make it easily at home.

Start by cooking farro in water or broth until tender.

While the farro cooks, roast your favorite vegetables. Good choices include squash, carrots, tomatoes, and asparagus.

Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

Once everything is ready, mix the farro and roasted veggies together. For extra flavor, add some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts.

This dish is great warm or cold.

You can change up the vegetables based on what’s in season. It’s a flexible recipe that works well year-round.

5. Mediterranean Farro Pilaf

This tasty dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Cook farro until it’s chewy and soft, about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Mix in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions for fresh crunch. Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives for salty notes.

Toss everything with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. Sprinkle in some dried oregano and fresh parsley for extra flavor.

This Mediterranean farro pilaf works great as a side dish or light meal. You can serve it warm or chilled. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

6. Farro and Black Bean Chili

Farro and black bean chili is a hearty twist on classic chili. You’ll love this protein-packed dish that combines chewy farro with creamy black beans.

To make it, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add farro and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Then mix in black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.

Season your chili with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Let it simmer until the farro is tender and the flavors meld.

You can top it with cheese, avocado, or cilantro for extra flavor.

This filling chili works great as a side dish or main course. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or potlucks.

7. Tomato Farro Soup

Tomato farro soup is a tasty and filling dish that combines the nutty flavor of farro with sweet tomatoes. You’ll love how the farro adds a chewy texture to this comforting soup.

To make it, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Add garlic, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes for a rich base.

Pour in vegetable broth and water, then add the farro. Let it simmer until the grains are tender.

For extra protein, you can toss in some beans.

This soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s easy to make and can be a meal on its own. You can top it with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

8. Spicy Farro and Kale Skillet

This zesty dish brings heat to your dinner table. Cook farro until tender, then set it aside.

In a skillet, sauté chopped kale with garlic and red pepper flakes.

Add the cooked farro to the skillet and stir to combine. Toss in some diced tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to amp up the spiciness.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of toasted pine nuts.

This hearty side dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

9. Farro Tabbouleh

Farro tabbouleh is a tasty twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad. You’ll love this hearty version made with chewy farro instead of bulgur wheat.

To make it, cook farro until tender and let it cool. Chop fresh parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.

Mix the cooled farro with the chopped veggies and herbs. Add a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.

For extra flavor, you can include feta cheese and olives.

Serve this refreshing salad at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.

10. Butternut Squash Farro Risotto

This creamy dish combines farro and butternut squash for a tasty twist on risotto. You’ll need farro, cubed butternut squash, broth, onions, and seasonings.

Start by roasting the squash cubes in the oven until tender. While that’s cooking, sauté onions in a pan.

Add the farro and cook it like you would rice in risotto, slowly adding warm broth.

Once the farro is creamy, mix in the roasted squash. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like sage or thyme.

The result is a hearty, comforting side dish that’s perfect for fall.

Health Benefits of Farro

Farro offers several health advantages due to its rich nutrient profile. It supports digestion and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Profile

Farro is packed with nutrients your body needs. It gives you fiber, protein, and important vitamins and minerals.

A serving of farro has about 20% of your daily magnesium needs. It also provides 15% of your daily zinc and 14% of your daily niacin (vitamin B3).

Farro contains iron too, giving you 4% of what you need each day. The protein in farro helps build and repair your body’s tissues.

Its fiber keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight control.

Digestive Health

The fiber in farro is great for your digestive system. It helps food move through your intestines smoothly. This can prevent constipation and keep your bowel movements regular.

Farro’s fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria help break down food and support your immune system.

Eating farro may reduce your risk of digestive issues like bloating and gas.

The complex carbs in farro release energy slowly. This helps keep your blood sugar steady, which is good for your overall health.

Cooking Techniques for Farro

Farro is a versatile grain that can be prepared in several ways. You can easily enhance its nutty flavor with different cooking methods and ingredient pairings.

Preparation Methods

You can cook farro using various techniques. The simplest method is boiling.

Rinse the farro, then add it to a pot with water or broth. Use a 1:2 ratio of farro to liquid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender.

For a hands-off approach, try the oven method. Combine farro with liquid in a baking dish. Cover and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes.

Pressure cooking is quick and efficient. Add farro and liquid to your pressure cooker. Cook on high for 12 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.

Flavor Pairings

Farro’s nutty taste works well with many flavors.

Try adding roasted vegetables like butternut squash or golden beets for a sweet contrast.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish.

Garlic and lemon zest add depth and zing.

For protein, consider adding grilled chicken or fish.

Vegetarian options include chickpeas or crumbled goat cheese.

Nuts like pepitas or almonds provide crunch.

A drizzle of olive oil enhances farro’s natural richness.

Experiment with different spices.

Cumin, paprika, or za’atar can transform the grain’s flavor profile.