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Can we talk about big ass salads today?

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Because salads and I are having a moment. Maybe it’s the anticipation of the upcoming summer season that makes me crave a giant bowl full of so many flavors and so many veggies. Whatever the reason, I am really into BIG ass salads right now.

And please excuse my language. I just feel there’s no better way to describe a really great salad, especially one like this Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad. Plus, if you know me in real life, you know that I am no stranger to profanity and tend to let the obscenities fly…ooops. You wouldn’t guess it by looking at me. While I may look like I am sixteen or seventeen (possibly due to wearing very minimal make-up), and maybe even kind of innocent… trust me, hang out with me for an hour or so and I might just shock you. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up in a house full of boys.

My point is that I am really excited about big salads right now. But not like salads with lettuce and cucumbers. Nope, salads of the hearty, super filling kind. Think grain salads, loaded veggie salads, pasta salads and salads full of fruits (fruity salads are my favorite)!

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

This farro salad is actually inspired by a recipe I have in my cookbook. Yes, THAT cookbook!! Guys, guess what?!?! I’m getting SOO close to being done with the recipes and all of the recipe testing. Like it’s almost sad, but yet still exiting. Sad and scary because it’s kind of like a chapter of the booking is being closed forever and ever. I will not be able to mess with anymore recipes, change anything around or swap in any new ones. Pretty soon that part of the book will be DONE… for good! YIKES!

It is exciting because I am almost one step closer to being done. Which means one step closer to finally sharing it with you guys! Ahh!! Again, exciting and scary! I still have probably two more weeks left of testing, but hoping to finish up sooner rather than later, cause ahh, deadlines are looming!!

ANYWAY, I have a farro recipe in the book and as I was testing…and testing… that recipe, I realized that I have ZERO farro recipes on the blog. Everything is all about quinoa, quinoa, quinoa. But I mean, hey there, there are other grains out there too!

Farro being one of them!!

If you guys have never had farro, it’s really good and a lot like rice, but with a little more of a crunch. It’s super hearty and works great in this chicken salad.

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Soo, there are a few key players that make up this salad.

One: the mediterranean seasoned grilled chicken. This is just so GOOD. Like a really good, really simple chicken. It’s awesome on it own with a side of pasta or rice, but even better when tossed into a hearty salad like I did here. Either way though, you should keep this chicken recipe in your back pocket for all these upcoming hot summer nights. It’s so good with pretty much anything.

Two: the farro, the veggies and the cheese, duh, duh and duh. The farro adds texture, flavor, crunch and heartiness. The veggies, which include tomatoes, artichokes, olives (which I guess are technically a fruit) and pepperoncini are what really add such great flavors. The mozzarella? Well I mean, come on, do I really need to explain that? You know me, all the cheese please! Feta would be delish too! OH and there are cannelini beans as well! YUM!

Three: the roasted red pepper sauce. OH MY GOSH. This is my new favorite sauce to put on everything from meats, to seafood, to pastas, to salads. It’s SO good and so simple. Just add everything to a blender and blend until smooth…then eat and eat and eat. It’s equally delish as a dip alongside some pita chips! 🙂

And those are your key players. Simple right?

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I have to say, I am super exited about this salad. I feel like it’s kind of new and exciting, but not overly so. It includes flavors we all know and love, but is still kind of different because of that farro…oh, and that roasted red pepper sauce that I just cannot get enough of. 🙂

Don’t get me wrong, I love quinoa, and I’m sure there will be another quinoa recipe soon, but sometimes it can be fun to switch it up a bit!! What do you guys think? Are you game??

Last thing, and I know I say this A LOT, but don’t skimp on the cheese. It’s my favorite, and a must in pretty much all salads. You gotta have cheese. Mmmm, k?

Trust me…cheese for the win. Always and always. 🙂

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad.

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Rest/Refrigerate 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 640 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients

Chicken

Salad

  • 1 cup dry farro
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini chopped
  • 1 ounce can cannelini beans drained + rinsed, 14
  • 1 ounce jar marinated artichokes drained, 8
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella torn OR bocconcini (mozz balls)

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Instructions

  • In a large gallon size zip-top bag, combine the ingredients for the chicken and toss to combine. Seal and chill at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook the farro according to package directions and then add the cooked farro to a large bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, cannelini beans, artichokes and mozzarella. Gently toss to combine. Add a spoonful or two of the roasted red pepper sauce and toss.
  • Set your grill, grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat.
  • Grill the chicken until lightly charred and cooked through, turning occasionally throughout cooking, about 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips against the grain. Add the chicken to the farro and serve with the remaining roasted red pepper sauce (see below). Garnish the salad with a large handful of arugula. Serve.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

  • Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Add 3 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and then pulse to combine until the sauce is mostly smooth. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one week.
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Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Now bring on the salads…

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

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Comments

  2. Farro rules in the grain world as does every single one of these ingredients. It actually tastes healthy while eating it too – summertime meal perfection! Dry Rose all chilled up, yum!

    Tieghan have you ever tried Freekeh? – you’d have a great time playing with this ancient grain. Try toasting it in the pan first – you won’t regret it. I made Freekeh ‘meatballs’ for a vegetarian friend and they were a huge hit.

    Reply

    1. Hey Tammy!! Oh my gosh, fried Freaked!?!? That sounds incredible. Trying that ASAP! Thank you so much for the idea! ? YUM!

      Reply

  3. Love your posts! And this will definitely be on my menu this week! My favorite restaurant True Food has a grain mix that includes faro that I love. Haven’t made it at home yet, but will. Thanks for the gorgeous photos too!

    Reply

  5. Farro is one of my absolute favorite grains–I love the thicker, chewier texture compared with quinoa. And all of the wonderful flavors you packed into this salad sound divine! Thanks for the recipe!

    -MAK

    Reply

  6. Oh yeah, now we’re talkin’!! This sounds like something right up my alley. MMMMMMM!! I have tried farro a few times before and it is awesome. Brio has a dish that includes it, along with orzo, asparagus, broccoli, etc…the bomb!! 🙂

    Reply

  7. You know what? Everyday I get to work at around 7am. I put my lunch in the fridge, grab a coffee, prepare myself a quick breakfast and set myself up at my computer. I allow myself a quick 15minutes to browse news/reads emails and all before actually starting working. But the first thing I do is read your blog. I don’t know, it brings a smile to me for the rest of the day and each night I have that kind of anticipation about reading your next entry.
    Also, I CAN’T WAIT for your cookbook to be out ! 2017 is sooo far away ahah !

    That being said, I’ve never tried farro. I’m not a big fan of quinoa, but I think i’ll try farro ! I might like it and put it on about everything ahah

    Reply

    1. Erika! Thats the best thing ever! Thank you so much! This means so much to me, seriously!

      You have to try Farro!! I think you will love it!! Let me know when you do!!

      Reply

  8. This looks like a perfect summer dish, healthy, colorful and delicious! Love the photos too! 🙂

    Reply

  9. Farro is such a great foundation for a salad. I love all the Mediterranean ingredients you added to it in this recipe.

    Reply

  10. Had the new Mediterranean salad at Wendy’s yesterday–they could learn a thing or two from you.
    Your salad looks incredible.

    Reply

  11. I don’t know how you do it all girl, write a cookbook and keep up with sharing amazingness like this salad but it looks incred!

    Reply

  13. This looks so tasty and perfect to make ahead and portion out for packed lunches.

    Well done Tieghan.

    Reply