Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon
A nourishing grain bowl featuring farro, brown lentils, and crisp vegetables tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette for a nutrient-dense, satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired healthy bowls (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs farro, brown lentils, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 1/2 cup brown lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 cup uncooked farro, 1/2 cup uncooked brown lentils, and 2 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until both grains are tender. Drain any excess liquid.
- Step 2: Dice 1/2 cucumber and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
- Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked farro-lentil mixture, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss gently. Top with 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1 tbsp chopped dill before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep farro from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Farro and Lentil Bowl with Herbs and Lemon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great recipe, very healthy and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh herbs and lemon! Perfect for lunch.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland without the lemon zest, but the lentils were cooked perfectly.