Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Zucchini, Burst Cherry Tomatoes, and Lemon Ricotta Cream
🥗 Salads
Intermediate

Warm Farro Salad with Roasted Zucchini, Burst Cherry Tomatoes, and Lemon Ricotta Cream

An original warm salad featuring tender farro, roasted zucchini, juicy burst cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, toasted sunflower seeds, and a silky lemon ricotta cream. It balances texture, brightness, and freshness in a complete, elegant dish.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 180 g pearled farro (enjuagado)
  • 720 ml water (for cocer the farro)
  • 6 g salt (divided, or to taste)
  • 400 g zucchini (cut en medias lunas gruesas)
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 80 g red onion (in wedges finos)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 g smoked paprika
  • 120 g ricotta
  • 60 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de jugo, dividido)
  • 15 ml honey
  • 5 ml Dijon mustard
  • 60 g baby spinach
  • 35 g sunflower seeds (tostadas)
  • 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)

Nutrition facts

per serving

358 kcal
Calories
13.2 g
Protein
39.8 g
Carbs
16.7 g
Fat
5.6 g
Fiber
34.2 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyMustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. On a large sheet pan, toss the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

  2. 2

    2. Roast the vegetables for 22 to 25 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, stirring once halfway through, until the zucchini is golden and the cherry tomatoes begin to burst.

  3. 3

    3. Meanwhile, place the farro and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the farro is tender. Drain if needed and let it rest for 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    4. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

  5. 5

    5. In another bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and the remaining 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt to make the vinaigrette.

  6. 6

    6. Transfer the cooked farro to a large bowl and add the baby spinach so it wilts slightly from the heat. Fold in the roasted vegetables, half of the fresh parsley, and half of the sunflower seeds.

  7. 7

    7. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

  8. 8

    8. Serve the salad warm on plates or on a platter. Spoon the lemon ricotta cream over the top and finish with the remaining fresh parsley and toasted sunflower seeds.

Chef tips

For extra texture, spread the cooked farro in a skillet with a few drops of oil and toast it for 3 to 4 minutes before mixing it into the salad. The ricotta cream can also be served underneath the salad for a more elegant presentation.

Substitutions

You can replace the farro with brown rice for a gluten-free version, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Ricotta can be swapped for fresh goat cheese, and sunflower seeds can be replaced with pumpkin seeds.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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