Charlie Bird Inspired Farro Salad

Charlie Bird Farro Salad My Easy Mediterranean Twist

By Amara Vitalis July 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something fresh? This charlie bird farro salad is your answer. Honestly, it bursts with Mediterranean flavors, and it's dead easy to make!

Brief Overview

This farro salad is inspired by, you guessed it, Charlie Bird restaurant in New York. It’s kinda Italian ish, packed with goodness.

It’s a simple recipe that will take about an hour, including cooking and cooling time, and makes enough for about 6 people.

Think of it as sunshine in a bowl.

Main Benefits

This healthy farro salad recipe is brilliant for you, being packed full of fibre, which is great for gut health.

This is the ultimate spring salad , perfect for a light lunch or side dish at a barbeque. What makes this salad special? The vibrant combination of textures and flavors.

It’s like a party in your mouth!

Let's Talk Farro!

So, what's all this fuss about farro salad recipes ? Well, farro is an ancient grain. It adds a lovely nutty flavour and chewy texture to the salad.

It’s much healthier than rice too.

What You'll Need (Ingredients Breakdown)

Right, gather round and let’s talk ingredients. You'll need pearled farro , water, and salt to cook the farro. Don’t skip the salt, it really brings out the flavour.

This bit is simple, but follow the amounts listed in the full recipe for the ratios.

Veggie Power

Next up are the veggies. We're talking about a whole English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives (the best!), thinly sliced red onion, and all the fresh herbs you can get your mitts on.

The fresh mint leaves , parsley, and basil are essential. Don’t skimp on those herbs, they bring the salad to life!.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Charlie Bird Farro Salad

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You wanna make a Charlie Bird inspired farro salad that'll knock your socks off? First, you've gotta have the right bits and bobs.

Don’t worry, it's not rocket science! We’re aiming for that fresh, Mediterranean vibe.

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

These are the stars of our show. No scrimping on quality, alright? This is where we make our farro salad recipes sing.

Farro: 1 cup (200g) pearled farro. Look for plump grains. It should smell fresh, not musty.
Water: 4 cups (950ml) Water
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g)
Cucumber: 1 English cucumber. Go for firm and dark green.
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (450g) . Ripe, bursting with flavour.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (75g) pitted ones.
Fresh Mint Leaves: ¼ cup (15g) roughly chopped.
Fresh Parsley Leaves: ¼ cup (15g) roughly chopped.
Fresh Basil Leaves: 2 tablespoons (10g) roughly chopped.
Red Onion: ¼ cup (20g) thinly sliced.
Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (60ml) fresh is best.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Good quality makes all the difference, you know?
Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (5ml) - optional!
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g) , or to taste.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1g) , freshly ground, or to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Mediterranean farro salad is all about the herbs. Mint, parsley, and basil create the base for this delicious spring salad. Don't skip them.

Essential spice combo: Salt, pepper, garlic. Don't underestimate the power of these basics. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a cheeky kick.
Flavor enhancers: Fresh lemon juice is essential . It brightens everything up. A little honey or maple syrup balances the acidity.
Quick swaps: No mint? A little extra parsley will do. Lime juice works in a pinch instead of lemon.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

We're not running a restaurant here. Keep it basic.

Saucepan: Medium sized, for cooking the farro.
Colander: For draining the farro.
Large Mixing Bowl: To toss everything together.
Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta be precise, love!
Cutting Board: Safe chopping zone.
Sharp Knife: For dicing and slicing.

Seriously though, that's it! This healthy farro salad recipe is all about fresh ingredients and simple techniques. It makes those easy salad recipes even easier, innit? You'll be whipping up this vegetarian farro salad in no time.

Mastering the Charlie Bird Farro Salad: A Simple Guide

Right, so you're after a Charlie Bird inspired Farro Salad ? Honestly, it's easier than putting up shelves from Ikea.

This salad is all about fresh, bright flavours. It's perfect for a light lunch or a side at a BBQ.

Let's get into it, shall we?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, get organised! Chop all your veg before you even think about the farro. That’s your essential mise en place sorted.

Dicing your cucumber, halving those juicy cherry tomatoes, and getting those herbs chopped finely will make the cooking process smooth as silk.

This saves you faffing about later when you're knee deep in vinaigrette. Make sure your knife is sharp, too safety first, you know?

Cooking the Farro: The Main Event

This is where the magic sort of happens. Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan with ½ teaspoon of salt .
Add 1 cup of farro , give it a stir.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 25- 30 minutes . You want it tender but still with a bit of a bite, al dente if you will.
Drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water. This stops it from cooking further.
Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool . No one wants a warm salad, yuck!

How do you know when it's done? Give it a taste. It should be chewy but not crunchy. Don't overcook it! Soggy farro is nobody's friend.

Then you can say you made your very own Farro Salad .

Pro Tips for a Stellar Salad

Want to take your Mediterranean Farro Salad to the next level? Here are a couple of tips I’ve learned the hard way.

Don't skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavours to really meld together. Trust me on this one, it makes a world of difference.
Taste as you go . This is especially important with the vinaigrette. Everyone's lemon preference is different.
You can add cheese like feta for a boost of flavour and add a Spring Salad twist.

So there you have it. The iconic Charlie Bird's Farro Salad . Enjoy every bite of this Healthy Farro Salad Recipe !.

And tell your friends how easy it is to make they'll be well impressed.

Recipe Notes for Your Charlie Bird Inspired Farro Salad

So, you’re about to whip up this charlie bird farro salad ? Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's a roaring success.

Honestly, these are the things I've learned after making this healthy farro salad recipe a gazillion times.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)

Presentation wise, think simple. A nice bowl is always a winner. But, I sometimes pile it high on a platter. Looks super inviting, you know? This spring salad is awesome with grilled chicken or fish.

A glass of chilled white wine? Bang on. Or even just sparkling water with a lemon slice. Sorted.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Chuck it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days.

Freezing? Nah, not recommended, mate. The cucumber goes a bit weird. When reheating, give it a good stir. The lemon vinaigrette salad dressing might have separated a bit.

Job's a good'un.

Variations: Put Your Spin On It!

Fancy a tweak? This vegetarian farro salad is great as is. But if you're avoiding gluten, try using quinoa instead of farro.

For a bit of a winter warmer version? Roast some butternut squash and add it in. Seasonal ingredient swaps can take this farro salad to the next level!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, so this easy salad recipe is packed with good stuff. We're talking fibre from the farro, vitamins from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

It’s a relatively low-calorie, feel good kind of meal. Perfect for a Mediterranean farro salad vibe.

Right, go on then! Get stuck in and make this Charlie Bird's Farro Salad . It's easier than queuing for the loo at Glastonbury. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is farro, and can I substitute it in this Charlie Bird farro salad?

Farro is an ancient grain, similar to wheat, with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It's what gives the Charlie Bird farro salad its signature bite. If you can't find farro, you could substitute with pearled barley or quinoa, though the texture will be slightly different.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!

How do I prevent my Charlie Bird farro salad from becoming soggy? No one likes a soggy bottom!

Ah, the dreaded soggy salad! To avoid this, make sure you drain the farro really well after cooking and even spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely before adding it to the other ingredients. Also, if you're making it ahead, consider adding the vinaigrette just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Can I make the Charlie Bird farro salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad is often even better after it's had a chance to sit for a bit, like a good stew getting better overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and as mentioned above, you might want to hold off on the dressing until just before serving for optimal freshness.

What are some good variations I can make to the Charlie Bird farro salad? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Feeling adventurous, eh? Good on ya! You could add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a salty tang, or grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. Some people like to throw in some toasted nuts or dried cranberries to add a little sweetness and a different texture. Get creative - it's your salad, mate!

How long will this Charlie Bird inspired farro salad last in the fridge?

This salad is usually good for 3-4 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving. Keep in mind that the vegetables might lose a bit of their crispness over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

Is this Charlie Bird farro salad healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

You betcha! This salad is packed with fiber from the farro and vegetables, healthy fats from the olive oil, and vitamins from the fresh herbs. Of course, the exact nutritional content will depend on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but generally, it's a very nutritious and balanced meal or side dish.

Just keep an eye on the olive oil and salt levels if you're watching those.