Quinoa Couscous and Farro Salad with Summer Vegetables

Name: Quinoa Couscous and Farro Salad with Summer Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup quinoa (rinsed); 1/2 cup couscous; 1/2 cup farro; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); 1 cup bell pepper (diced); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

45 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

A delightful grain salad featuring quinoa, couscous, and farro with fresh summer vegetables.

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

This Quinoa Couscous and Farro Salad with Summer Vegetables is a refreshing dish perfect for those warm months when the market is brimming with fresh produce. Combining the nutty flavours of quinoa, the lightness of couscous, and the hearty texture of farro, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility and the vibrant colours of summer vegetables. It works wonderfully as a main course for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. This version is designed to maximize the natural flavours of the grains and vegetables, creating a wholesome meal that is both healthy and delicious. Ideal for vegetarians and those looking to explore new grains, this salad is also perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and stored without losing its appeal.

Instructions

Cook the quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

Pro tip: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.

Prepare the couscous

Place couscous in a bowl and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Pro tip: Use a fork to gently separate the grains.

Cook the farro

In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add farro and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Pro tip: Farro should be tender yet chewy.

Combine the grains

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, couscous, and farro.

Pro tip: Ensure grains are cooled before mixing.

Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the salad

Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the grains. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later.

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Tips & Tricks

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness.
Use a fork to fluff couscous for better texture.
Make sure farro is tender yet chewy.
Chop vegetables uniformly for even distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grains are in a quinoa couscous and farro salad?

This salad includes quinoa, couscous, and farro, offering a variety of textures and flavours.

How do you cook quinoa for salad?

Rinse quinoa, then simmer with water for 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.

Can this salad be made ahead?

Yes, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavours improve over time.

What vegetables go well with this grain salad?

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion are ideal for this salad.

What is the nutritional content of this salad?

Per serving, it has 250 calories, 6g protein, 38g carbs, 10g fat, 5g fiber, 5g sugar, and 300mg sodium.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is completely vegetarian-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Quinoa Couscous and Farro Salad with Summer Vegetables chilled or at room temperature. It's a great accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal. To make ahead, simply store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavours will continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day.