
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- 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 imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageVictorinox 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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Mediterranean Salad
15 min

Chicken Caesar Salad
32 min

Warm Cannellini Bean Salad with Rosemary Roasted Squash, Sautéed Escarole, and Whipped Lemon Ricotta
50 min

Toasted Buckwheat Salad with Grilled Nectarines and Whipped Basil Ricotta
40 min

Warm Smashed Baby Potato, Green Bean and Radish Salad with Aged Cheddar and Toasted Mustard Vinaigrette
55 min

Warm Crispy Brown Rice Salad with Roasted Zucchini, Fresh Apricots, and Goat Cheese with Basil Lemon Vinaigrette
50 min