Charlie Bird Inspired Farro Salad
Recipe Introduction: NYC Right Here!
Ever wondered if you could bring that fancy restaurant vibe to your own kitchen? Well, you totally can! We're talking about the famous Charlie Bird farro salad .
It's the perfect balance of healthy and delicious. Plus, it's easier to make than you might think, honest.
Get Hooked on this Farro Salad
This NYC farro salad isn't just any salad. It's a celebration of fresh flavors. It's got a zesty lemon herb farro salad profile that'll have your taste buds singing.
Honestly, once you try it, you will want to make it again.
A Little Bit About This Amazing Salad
This restaurant inspired salad comes from a super cool spot in New York City. It's a dish that's all about simple ingredients and big flavors.
It's straightforward to make. It will take around 55 minutes total. This recipe will give you about 4-6 servings.
Why You'll Love This Salad
This healthy farro salad recipe is packed with goodness. It is brimming with fiber and vitamins. It's a spring salad sensation that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at a BBQ.
Trust me, it will be the star of the show.
We're talking about that fresh mint leaves and that perfect farro bite! Speaking of ingredients, you'll need some fresh mint leaves , along with a few other goodies.
Let's gather our ingredients and get started!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, wanna make some magic? We are diving into a recipe inspired by that NYC farro salad everyone raves about, the Charlie Bird farro salad .
Think nutty, fresh, and packed with flavor. Don't worry, it is dead easy and we will keep it super simple .
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
This healthy farro salad recipe starts with great ingredients. It is all about those key flavors that make this restaurant inspired salad sing!
- Farro: You'll need 1 cup (200g) pearled farro. Look for farro that's plump and uniform in color. No one wants sad, broken grains, you know?
- Water: 4 cups (950ml) . Tap water is fine, unless yours tastes funky.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt for cooking the farro. And, of course, more to taste!
- English Cucumber: 1 cucumber, diced. They're less seedy than regular cucumbers, so less watery salad!
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (500g) , halved or quartered. The sweeter, the better!
- Red Onion: ½ , thinly sliced. If you're sensitive to raw onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes.
- Pistachios: ½ cup (70g) , roughly chopped. These add a fab crunch.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: ½ cup (packed) , roughly chopped. Honestly, the fresh mint leaves make the salad. Don't skimp.
- Fresh Parsley: ½ cup (packed) , roughly chopped. Flat leaf parsley is the way to go, IMHO.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup (packed) , roughly chopped. Adds a lovely sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (60ml) , fresh squeezed. Bottled juice just doesn't cut it, promise.
- Olive Oil: ½ cup (120ml) , extra virgin. Splurge on a good one here; it makes a difference.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional), for a little kick .
Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Flavor
The combo of lemon, mint, and basil is essential. This lemon herb farro salad has those flavors that are just right .
These herbs give that certain summery feeling. Don't have basil? More mint or parsley will do in a pinch. For a bit of extra oomph, try adding a teaspoon of sumac to the vinaigrette.
You know? It gives it this zingy edge!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need any fancy gadgets here. Just basics that most kitchens would have.
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the farro.
- Colander or fine mesh sieve: To drain the farro.
- Cutting board & sharp knife: For chopping the veggies and herbs.
- Large bowl: For mixing everything together.
- Whisk: For the vinaigrette. A fork works if you're feeling lazy (like me, most days).
- Small bowl or jar: For the vinaigrette.
Let's Talk Cooking Method: Nailing that Charlie Bird Farro Salad!
So, you want to recreate the magic of that NYC farro salad from Charlie Bird? Awesome! It's easier than you think.
It is more like creating something awesome at home. No need to be intimidated. We are going to make some restaurant inspired salad .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First, mise en place is key. Chop everything before you start cooking. It saves time and stops you from rushing.
Honestly, there's nothing worse than trying to chop herbs while your farro boils over. Speaking of farro, grab your cup, your water and other Essential mise en place .
Safety reminder: Use a sharp knife. A dull knife is more dangerous. Trust me, I learned that the hard way (band aid needed!).
It is important to have that in mind when preparing the Fresh Mint Leaves .
step-by-step Process: Your Farro Journey
- Cook the Farro: Rinse 1 cup (200g) of farro. Then, bring 4 cups (950ml) of water and 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt to a boil. Add the farro.
- Simmer until tender, about 30 minutes . Drain well.
- Prep Veggies: Dice 1 English cucumber , halve 1 pint (500g) cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice ½ red onion .
- Chop about 1/2 cup (70g) pistachios and your fresh herbs, about ½ cup (packed) fresh mint leaves , ½ cup (packed) fresh parsley leaves and ¼ cup (packed) fresh basil leaves .
- Make Dressing: Whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) lemon juice, ½ cup (120ml) olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove , 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon, ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt and ¼ teaspoon (1g) pepper. Red pepper flakes, optional.
- Combine cooked farro, veggies, and herbs in a bowl.
- Dress the healthy farro salad recipe . Toss and season.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad
Don't overcook the farro! Aim for al dente. Think pasta. You do not want it mushy! Pro tip: Toast your pistachios.
It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch. Toast them for 5- 7 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) .
Taste as you go! Adjust the lemon or salt in the dressing. Make it your own lemon herb farro salad .
This is the Summer farro salad you've been waiting for.
Honestly, the best part about this Charlie Bird's Farro Salad is that it's so forgiving. Don't have pistachios? Use almonds! No basil? Add more mint! It's all good.
Farro Salad Recipes can be adapted.
Recipe Notes for Your Charlie Bird Inspired Farro Salad
Okay, so you're about to tackle the Charlie Bird farro salad . Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some little tweaks and tips I've picked up over the years making this restaurant inspired salad .
This isn't just about following a recipe, it's about owning it.
Serving Up a Storm: Plating and Pairings
Presentation matters, you know? This NYC farro salad looks stunning on its own, but a simple touch elevates it. I like to mound it prettily on a plate and top it with a sprinkle of extra fresh mint leaves and some crumbled feta.
For sides? Think light. Grilled chicken or fish works great. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon herb farro salad perfectly, honest.
Storing Your Leftovers: Freshness is Key
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy farro salad recipe keeps pretty well. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to three days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight.
Freezing isn't ideal because the veggies can get a bit soggy. Reheating isn't really a thing either. It's best served cold or at room temperature.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Fancy switching things up? Easy peasy. For a gluten-free version, swap the farro for quinoa. Still tastes banging! Want something heartier? Chuck in some grilled halloumi, which is just right proper lush.
As for seasonal swaps, think about what's in season. In the spring salad , try adding asparagus or peas. For a summer farro salad , grilled corn would be delicious.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Let's keep this simple. A serving of this Charlie Bird's Farro Salad is packed with fiber, thanks to the farro and veggies.
That's great for your gut. It's also a good source of healthy fats from the olive oil and pistachios.
Each serving clocks in around 450 calories, with 10g of protein, 30g of fat, 40g of carbs, and 8g of fiber. Remember, this is just an estimate, mind!
So there you have it. All the tips and tricks to make your own Charlie Bird farro salad truly special.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is farro, and can I substitute it in this Charlie Bird farro salad recipe?
Farro is an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's quite popular these days, a bit like sourdough bread in lockdown! If you can't find it, or you're after a gluten-free alternative, quinoa or even barley would work well, though the texture will be slightly different.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The recipe calls for a lot of fresh herbs. Is it okay to use dried herbs instead for the Charlie Bird farro salad?
While you can use dried herbs in a pinch, fresh herbs are really what make this salad sing, they are what give it that fresh, vibrant taste. Think of it like using instant coffee versus a proper barista made flat white both have caffeine, but the experience is completely different!
If you must substitute, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh. Fresh herbs are always best, though.
How far in advance can I make the Charlie Bird farro salad?
This salad is great for making ahead! You can cook the farro and make the vinaigrette up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Hold off on adding the vegetables and herbs until just before serving, though, otherwise they'll get a bit soggy.
Give it a good toss with the dressing right before you serve to keep it fresh.
What are some good variations on this Charlie Bird inspired farro salad to spice things up?
Feeling adventurous, are we? Excellent! You could add grilled chicken or halloumi for a heartier meal. Some crumbled feta cheese on top adds a lovely salty tang. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts could be used instead of pistachios.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different veggies too roasted bell peppers or zucchini would be delicious.
How should I store leftovers of this Charlie Bird farro salad, and how long will they last?
Leftover farro salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it's often even better the next day!
You might find that the farro absorbs some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving.
Is the Charlie Bird farro salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with goodness. Farro is a great source of fiber and protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. The vegetables and herbs provide plenty of vitamins and antioxidants, and the olive oil is a source of healthy fats.
Just be mindful of portion sizes if you're watching your calorie intake everything in moderation, as they say!
Charlie Bird Inspired Farro Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |