Meet your new go-to weeknight dinner! It is flexible, fast and filling in the best way. Using farro that cooks in 10 minutes with creamy burrata, farro with burrata salad is an easy side dish or main course the whole family will love!
Just like people, certain dishes have the ability to be more flexible than others. Farro with burrata salad is one of them. Why? It is a type of recipe I call a "building block recipe” because you can use the basic technique and add or subtract any element to make it your own. Hence—flexible.
If you already are a big fan of farro recipes, be sure to pay a visit to this simple farro pilaf recipe. And if burrata is what brought you here, you'll love this creamy bow tie pasta salad with burrata.
Why you'll love this easy side dish recipe
- 20 minute recipe. If you use the quick cooking farro from Trader Joe's, you can have this easy farro recipe on the table in about 20 minutes.
- Flexible. You can add any of your favorite vegetables to pair with the farro and burrata.
- Amazing texture. Pairing chewy farro with creamy burrata and crunchy vegetables creates fabulous texture that manages to be light yet hearty at the same time.
What is farro?
Back to how magical this farro dish is. I use farro because it has amazing texture and it's uber good for you (and everyone in your life).
About Farro
Farro is considered an ancient grain and can be used in place of rice in most recipes. It's super high in fiber (½ cup has 34 grams), protein (7-8 grams) and also high in antioxidants, iron, magnesium and more.
-Josie + Nina
Why you'll love it
Farro is really forgiving. If you forget and leave the farro cooking a little long in the pot, it won't get soggy or mushy. It’s a chewy grain (which is soooo satisfying), so cooking it a tad bit more won’t ruin it.
Farro won’t let you down. It’s that flexible!
Where to buy farro
Farro is easy to find these days. While you can find farro at pretty much any grocery store in the rice aisle, one of my favorites comes from Trader Joe’s which is where I bought this. It comes in a blue bag and is called 10 Minute Farro.
How to cook farro
There are a couple of ways to cook farro that are outlined right on the bag. I usually use the boil method but also have used the simmer one which is similar to cooking rice. Either way, the end result is perfect every time. And it’s fast.
How to make farro and burrata salad
- Bring some chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian farro recipe) to boil and add in farro. Cook for 10 minutes until chewy.
- In a heated skillet with olive oil, saute English peas, asparagus, and onion until bright green and the onions are golden.
- Drain the farro as needed and top with the sauteed vegetables. Break open a big ball of burrata on top and toss if desired.
- Garnish with dewdrop peppers if you crave a little heat.
How to Trim Asparagus without a knife
Pick up one (or a couple) stalk of asparagus holding an end in each hand. Bend the asparagus upwards and it’ll snap exactly where it’s supposed to usually about ¼ of the way from the end.
Timing tips for success
What I love about this farro recipe is that you can bring the happy in under 20 minutes with a little pre-planning. It’s kind of like an Italian stir-fry so keep that in the back of your head.
Here’s how you do it:
- Make a list of approximately three vegetables that each member of your family likes. For this recipe, I chose green ones, but you don’t have to. If you have some who only likes 1 or 2, that’s ok. I’m going to show you how you can adjust this recipe for them as well.
- Now, check your list (mental or paper works) and eliminate any that can’t be sautéed on the stove in around 3-5 minutes. This is a fast recipe so if Brussels sprouts are someone's fav, this isn’t your dish unless you don’t care about timing (and if Brussels sprouts make your list, then turn on the oven and roast those babies). I also would steer clear of potatoes for this recipe.
- Have all the vegetables prepared and ready to go. Chop your onions, trim your asparagus, etc. You can certainly do this with the veggies I show here but if, for example, green beans are your thing, account for the fact that they take a little longer to prepare.
Burrata them up
Wondering what burrata is? Burrata is the love child of fresh mozzarella and cream. The outside of burrata is made of an awesome stringy layer of mozzarella surrounding a center of unbelievably creamy cheese curds.
In this recipe, the creamy cheese coats the farro nicely making a sort of sauce and plays off the brightness of the lemon tossed with the vegetables
Shopping tips for burrata
- You typically can find burrata in the gourmet cheese section of your favorite store.
- Burrata is typically sold in a container surrounded by a liquid to keep it moist.
- When you cut into burrata, it’s best to eat it the same day and it’s also best at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Tips
For a crowd: Makes an awesome buffet dish as it can be served at room temperature. Use at least two balls of burrata and break it up so everyone gets some. Sprinkle top with shards of Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.
For a few: Make a whole recipe of the farro and but only use half of the vegetables you purchase. Save the remaining to whip up another serving later in the week. Reheat the farro in the microwave or on the stove with a little broth to loosen it up.
📖 Recipe
Farro with Burrata Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bag farro, I use Trader Joe's 10 Minute Farro
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 2 ½ T olive oil, divided
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 cup fresh English peas
- ⅓ lb fresh asparagus
- 8 oz bag of fresh spinach
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic, or more
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1-2 balls fresh burrata
- dewdrop peppers as a garnish, not pictured; optional
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Assemble all of your ingredients ('mise en place' as chefs say) because you'll be working very quickly.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil and add farro. Simmer on low for 10 minutes and drain excess broth.
- While farro is cooking, heat 1 T of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Saute onion until translucent and lightly browned about 5 minutes. Remove the onion from the pan and set aside.
- If everyone in your house likes all the remaining vegetables, heat 1 more tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan. Once it's heated per above, add the peas and asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for about 3 minutes until both are bright green. You want the peas al dente.
- If needed, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the reserved onions, spinach, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Saute very quickly for about 30 seconds. You don't want the garlic to burn and the spinach will break down very quickly.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over top of the vegetables and cook for a few seconds. Turn off the heat. Taste for seasoning.
Assembling the Farro
- Put the farro in a large shallow bowl. Top with the vegetables and add a ball of burrata in the center. Make two slits crosswise in the burrata and open a bit so everyone can spoon some into their serving. Alternatively, toss the opened burrata over the farro and then top with the vegetables.
Notes
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I love adding those baby dewdrop cherry peppers for a burst of color on top and a little heat.
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Awesome as a main course with Foolproof Chicken
About Lori Murphy
Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
Made as a side to ribeye steaks. De-lish! Good call prepping all - was easy to prepare recipe. Came together rather quickly. Thanks Lori.
Thanks Annette! It's one of my favorite recipes ever...and so simple! It's a recipe I know our (yours and mine) Italian grandmas would approve of for sure!
😊