Spring Grain Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant mix of farro, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing, topped with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs farro, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup farro according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled farro, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and pine nuts.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spring Grain Salad 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 Spring Grain Salad?

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 Spring Grain Salad?

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 Spring Grain Salad 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.

What goes well with Spring Grain Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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