Name: Farro Lunch Salad Three Ways
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup farro (cooked in stock for extra flavor per package directions); 4 cups baby spinach, arugula, or other salad greens; 1 medium sweet potato, roasted and diced (in a time crunch? cook diced sweet potatoes in the microwave); 4 large eggs, boiled*, peeled and halved; 1/2 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds; 1 tablespoon Everything but the Bagel Seasoning; 1/3 cup thinly sliced and chopped red cabbage; 1 cup roasted cauliflower; 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (for extra flavor, fiber, crunch, and plant-based protein); 3/4 cup leftover chicken, chopped (rotisserie, roasted, and grilled chicken all work great); 10-12 spears asparagus, chopped or left whole (leftover asparagus is great, otherwise quickly steam or broil it); 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup frozen corn or petite peas, thawed and heated if desired; 6 ounces leftover grilled salmon, chopped ((about 3/4 cup)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium lemon, juiced; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; salt to taste; Fresh ground pepper to taste

This farro lunch salad is a fun, convenient way to eat well at lunch by using leftovers or prepping ahead of time. Packed with whole grains, veggies, protein, and healthy fat, it will leave you satisfied.

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Lunch Salad or Grain Bowl

In my last blog post I talked about why it’s so hard to figure out lunch and how to make it easier. Here is another salad or grain bowl (call it what you like!) to add to the list.

I love to cook up a batch of grains such as farro, brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur at the beginning of the week and then use it to make salads or grain bowls like these. They look adorable packed in Mason jars, which are perfect for transporting to work. Of course, since many of us are working from home these days, you can also just portion it all into an oversized bowl when ready to eat. Or, perhaps you could put it in a nonbreakable container and bring it to the beach or park for a quick lunch or relaxed dinner picnic?

Nutrient-Packed Farro

Farro is one of my favorite grains. It’s nutty and tender and versatile. It’s also packed with heart and gut-healthy fiber. According to Bob’s Red Mill, a 1/2 cup of their cooked farro provides about 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein, 2 nutrients that are important for helping you stay full after eating.

Below are three different versions of a farro lunch salad or grain bowl — call it what you will. Use these ideas to get inspired and make your own version using what you have on hand or what’s in season.

Dress it Up

Oh, and don’t forget a good dressing. Whether you go for a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a homemade cashew dressing, this will put the finishing touch on the salad and bring out all the flavors, not to mention the fat-soluble vitamins. I have included one of my simple, go-to lemon vinaigrettes, but the options are endless! Enjoy!

Hälsa Kids

Make this farro lunch salad more appealing to kids by letting them design it themselves. Pair something liked with something new. So, for example, if they have never had farro before try it with something they love, like bolognese sauce or Swedish meatballs. Add a favorite vegetable and there you are.

Alternatively, skip the farro for a well-loved grain like rice or pasta. Then add something new like roasted chickpeas and eggs served on grains instead of toast. Ideally, let them create their own bowl. And if they are not interested, don’t push it.