Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl
A satisfying bowl of farro, sautéed kale, and a bright lemon-garlic dressing, perfect for a nourishing lunch. This mediterranean-inspired mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs uncooked farro, stemmed and chopped kale, large, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked farro
- 2 cups, stemmed and chopped kale
- 1 large, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook farro according to package instructions, using 2 cups water per cup farro. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add kale and cook for 4-5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp water until smooth. Drizzle over the farro and kale, then gently toss to combine.
- Step 4: Stir in cherry tomatoes and pecans. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl?
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 uncooked farro from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl?
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 Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl 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 Lemon-Garlic Farro and Kale Bowl vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
