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This beautiful salad combines traditional salad greens and an olive oil-based dressing with farro for a nutty, chewy texture that’s a welcome addition to spring luncheons.

Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup farro

• 1 cup apple cider

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed

• 2 bay leaves
• 8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler

• 1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts

• 2 cups arugula leaves

• 1 cup parsley or basil leaves, torn

• 1 cup mint leaves

• ¾ cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes

• ⅓ cup thinly sliced radish

• Maldon or other flaky sea salt, for finishing

Steps

1. In a medium saucepan, bring farro, apple cider, salt, bay leaves and 2 cups water to a simmer. Simmer until farro is tender and liquid evaporates, about 30 minutes. If all the liquid evaporates before the farro is done, add a little more water. Let farro cool, then discard bay leaves.

2. In a salad bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Add farro, cheese and pistachio nuts and mix well. This salad base will keep for up to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator (bring to room temperature before serving). Just before serving, fold in arugula, herbs, tomatoes, radish and flaky salt to taste.