Farro, an ancient whole grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, has become a beloved staple in vegan kitchens worldwide. It’s not only hearty and filling but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect base for a variety of plant-based meals.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying salad, a warm comforting bowl, or a vibrant side dish, vegan farro recipes offer versatility and flavor that can elevate your everyday cooking.
In this post, we’ll explore delicious ways to prepare farro that celebrate fresh vegetables, bold spices, and wholesome ingredients. These recipes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prepping.
Plus, they cater to all skill levels, from kitchen novices to seasoned cooks. So, if you’re eager to add a nutritious and tasty grain to your vegan meal rotation, read on for some irresistible farro ideas you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan farro recipes combine nutrition, texture, and flavor in a way that few grains can. Farro’s chewy bite makes each dish satisfying, while its mild nutty taste pairs beautifully with a wide range of ingredients—from fresh herbs and roasted veggies to zesty dressings and hearty beans.
These recipes are perfect for anyone seeking balanced meals that keep you full and energized. Plus, farro is a whole grain, meaning it’s rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates to support digestive health and steady blood sugar levels.
Best of all, these dishes are naturally vegan, gluten-friendly (choose gluten-free farro if needed), and easy to customize according to your preferences.
Whether you’re making a quick lunch salad or a comforting dinner bowl, vegan farro recipes are a delicious way to nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Farro (1 cup, pearled or semi-pearled for faster cooking)
- Vegetable broth or water (3 cups)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
- Baby spinach (2 cups)
- Red onion (½, thinly sliced)
- Cucumber (1 medium, diced)
- Chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts (¼ cup)
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander or fine-mesh strainer
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Rinse the farro: Place 1 cup of farro in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove any dust or impurities.
- Cook the farro: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed farro with 3 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Sauté garlic: While the farro cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and drained chickpeas.
- Mix farro and veggies: Add the cooked farro to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the sautéed garlic and olive oil over the mixture and toss to combine evenly.
- Add flavor: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the salad. Add chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss gently once more.
- Optional toppings: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a refreshing vegan meal or side dish.
Tips & Variations
“Farro is versatile — swap vegetables with whatever you have on hand!”
- Make it a bowl: Add roasted veggies such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a warm, hearty bowl.
- Spice it up: Incorporate spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to add complexity.
- Dress it differently: Try a balsamic vinaigrette or tahini lemon dressing for different flavor profiles.
- Protein boost: Include cooked lentils or tofu cubes for extra protein.
- Batch cook: Farro keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 9 grams |
Fiber | 7 grams |
Carbohydrates | 58 grams |
Fat | 6 grams (mostly from olive oil and nuts) |
Vitamin C | 20% of Daily Value |
Iron | 15% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan farro salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try serving it alongside warm Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or as a hearty side to Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
For a complete meal, add a side of Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to soak up every last bite.
Other great options include topping with avocado slices or a dollop of vegan yogurt for creaminess. It also works well as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a base in grain bowls topped with your favorite plant-based protein.
Delicious Vegan Farro Recipes to Try
Mediterranean Farro Salad
- Ingredients: Farro, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Cook farro as above. Toss with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill and serve cold.
Farro and Roasted Vegetable Bowl
- Ingredients: Farro, roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, red bell peppers, chickpeas, tahini dressing, fresh cilantro.
- Instructions: Roast diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil and spices at 400°F for 25 minutes. Cook farro. Combine farro, roasted veggies, and chickpeas. Drizzle with tahini lemon dressing. Garnish with cilantro.
Farro and Mushroom Risotto (Vegan)
- Ingredients: Farro, cremini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté shallots, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add farro and toast for 2 minutes. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring until absorbed. Continue until farro is creamy and cooked through. Stir in nutritional yeast and fresh thyme. Season to taste.
Conclusion
- Ingredients: Farro, roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, red bell peppers, chickpeas, tahini dressing, fresh cilantro.
- Instructions: Roast diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil and spices at 400°F for 25 minutes. Cook farro. Combine farro, roasted veggies, and chickpeas. Drizzle with tahini lemon dressing. Garnish with cilantro.
Farro and Mushroom Risotto (Vegan)
- Ingredients: Farro, cremini mushrooms, shallots, garlic, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté shallots, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add farro and toast for 2 minutes. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring until absorbed. Continue until farro is creamy and cooked through. Stir in nutritional yeast and fresh thyme. Season to taste.
Conclusion
Vegan farro recipes offer an excellent way to enjoy whole grains packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a fresh salad, a comforting risotto, or a vibrant bowl of roasted veggies and grains, farro is a versatile ingredient that fits seamlessly into plant-based meals.
Its chewy texture and nutty taste make it satisfying and wholesome, while its nutrient profile supports a balanced diet.
Experimenting with different vegetables, herbs, and dressings can keep your farro dishes exciting and suited to any season. Plus, farro’s ability to keep well makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping and busy weeknights.
Don’t forget to explore related recipes like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or try adding a side of Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your meal. Happy cooking and enjoy the wholesome goodness of farro!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegan farro salad packed with roasted seasonal vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast vegetables on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, combine farro and vegetable broth in a pot; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer farro for 25-30 minutes until tender; drain excess liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and remaining olive oil.
- Combine cooked farro, roasted vegetables, and dressing in a large bowl.
- Mix in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 52 g
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