This farro salad with za’atar and broccoli is a flavorful salad that is perfect to eat as a vegetarian meal or as a side dish.
What is Za’atar?
Za’atar is a seasoning blend most commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Za’atar is a blend of marjoram, thyme, and oregano, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds which give it a nutty flavor. The sumac in za’atar lends a beautifully tart flavor which is perfect for this salad.
My life has been lacking in za’atar consumption since I found out my little man N is allergic to sesame. However, I occasionally and very carefully sneak this flavorful spice mixture into my life (but not his, of course!).
This farro salad recipe is actually one of my mom’s creations! She’s a genius in the kitchen and I attribute my love of cooking to her alone. I had the pleasure of eating and photographing this salad when my parents came to visit us recently.
The salad is a delectable combination of tangy, chewy, and crunchy, with a bright and fresh flavor. It has tons of protein thanks to the farro, garbanzo beans and feta, which makes it a perfect vegetarian lunch or dinner. You could also serve it as a flavorful side dish.
What Is Farro?
Farro is an ancient wheat grain (so it’s not gluten-free). It contains 6 grams of protein per serving, along with generous amounts of fiber and nutrients. Farro has become my go-to grain for salads because of its size and chewy texture which complements crunchy vegetables. It leaves you very satisfied and full.
More Grain Salads
Farro Salad with Za’atar, Broccoli and Feta
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons za’atar seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad:
- 1 cup farro, cooked according to package directions and cooled slightly
- 1 can (15.5 oz.) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or garbanzo beans)
- ½ seedless cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup matchstick carrots
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Mix all ingredients, except feta cheese, together with the dressing. Sprinkle feta cheese on top prior to serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What awesome flavors! I make lemon & oil salad all the time but never threw some za’atar in it. Definitely trying this.
I love farro salads, too! It just has the best texture. I also love the flavors you combined here. I’ve been meaning to get my hands on some za’atar – think I’m gonna break down and order some finally :)
Have a great weekend!
This salad is gorgeous! I just tried farro earlier this year and am crazy about it and always looking for new dishes to try! It sounds perfect with the broccoli, feta and all the other flavors!
that looks really good!
Ooooh, this looks wonderful! I’m all over this one!
This Monday is filled with fantastic salad recipes! I love farro so I am crazy about this! The dressing sounds so good!
Thanks, Rach! I love that we share an interest in cooking!
I haven’t tried Farro or za’atar before. I know I need to get out more :) This salad sounds divine with the different textures and flavors!