Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Farro Salad with Fresh Herbs

Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Farro Salad with Fresh Herbs

This Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Farro Salad is a nutritious, hearty dish that combines ancient grains with deeply flavored roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or a delightful side dish at dinner. The blend of quinoa and farro provides a great texture contrast, while the roasted vegetables add a rich, smoky taste. Fresh herbs and a light lemon vinaigrette tie it all together for a refreshing, fulfilling dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup farro
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the quinoa and farro according to the package instructions. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
3. While the grains are cooking, place the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables.
4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, farro, and roasted vegetables.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to make the vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour the vinaigrette over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss well to combine.
8. Fold in the chopped fresh parsley and basil.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy this refreshing and healthy Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Farro Salad with Fresh Herbs as a standalone meal or a side dish to your main course!