Description
Mediterranean-inspired Charlie Bird Salad brings zesty flavors dancing through crisp vegetables and herbed grains. Refreshing ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying dish that connects New York culinary creativity with classic Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 2 cups arugula (baby arugula preferred)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salad Complementary Ingredients:
- ¼ cup radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or mint leaves (or a mix), torn
Cooking and Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare farro by combining it with apple cider and water in a medium saucepan, seasoning with salt for enhanced flavor profile.
- Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low, allowing the grains to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until achieving a tender yet slightly firm texture.
- Drain any remaining liquid and spread the cooked farro on a flat surface to cool completely, ensuring it reaches room temperature.
- Craft a vibrant citrus-infused dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and combine the cooled farro with peppery arugula, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp radishes, fragrant fresh herbs, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gently drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, carefully tossing to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with remaining Parmesan shavings and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of color and additional flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp, or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld together before presenting.
Notes
- Test farro’s texture by tasting during cooking to ensure it remains perfectly al dente without becoming mushy.
- Rinse farro thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Experiment with alternative grains like quinoa or barley for gluten-free or different textural variations of the salad.
- Toast Parmesan cheese briefly for an enhanced nutty flavor that adds depth to the overall dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg