Farro, Avocado, Cucumber, and Cherry Tomato Salad

This is one of our all time favorite recipes. It's perfect in the summer with any combination of fresh veggies. I added sliced red onion and feta cheese this time. If you've never tried farro, this is the recipe for you!



Farro, Avocado, Cucumber, and Cherry Tomato Salad
Cooking Light July 2008

Farro is a whole grain with a pleasantly chewy texture. Look for it at specialty markets and gourmet grocers or health food stores. With crunchy cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and buttery avocado, this dish makes a refreshing lunch. Pair it with a simple starter soup and whole-grain crackers for dinner.


1 cup uncooked farro or spelt
4 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon fresh grated lime rind
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups red, orange, and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ¾ cups chopped seeded English cucumber (about 1 small)
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
¾ cup sliced peeled avocado (about 1 small)

1. Place farro in a large saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above farro. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain well.

2. Combine oil, rind, juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add farro, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro; toss gently to coat. Place about 1 cup farro mixture on each of 5 plates; garnish evenly with avocado. Serve immediately.
Yield

5 servings

Nutritional notes:
CALORIES 208(36% from fat); FAT 8.3g (sat 1.1g,mono 4.8g,poly 1g); IRON 2.1mg; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 16mg; CARBOHYDRATE 33.4g; SODIUM 363mg; PROTEIN 5.6g; FIBER 6.1g

MacGourmet Rating: 5 Stars

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