Farro Recipes: 10 Easy and Delicious Ways to Use This Ancient Grain
If you’re looking to add a hearty, nutty, and deeply satisfying grain to your meals, farro recipes are about to be your new obsession. This ancient whole grain has been fueling Mediterranean diets for centuries, and for good reason — it’s rich in fiber, protein, and an irresistible chewy texture that makes every bite more exciting.
Unlike trendy grains that come and go, farro delivers on flavor and nutrition. It’s easy to cook, easy to love, and fits right into salads, soups, grain bowls, and even breakfast dishes. Once you learn how to cook farro and master a few basic flavor combos, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll walk through:
- The basics of how to make farro on the stovetop or in a rice cooker
- A breakdown of the best farro salad ideas and pairings
- Versatile, tasty recipes using farro that go way beyond side dishes
- Meal prep tips to make farro your weeknight hero
Whether you’re eating plant-based, high-protein, or just looking for bites that hit that wholesome sweet spot, farro is a grain worth knowing.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Farro – Stovetop Basics Made Easy
Farro may sound fancy, but learning how to cook farro is refreshingly simple — especially once you understand the basics. This ancient grain cooks a lot like rice or barley but with a heartier bite and deeper flavor.
🥄 What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of farro (pearled is most common and cooks fastest)
- 3 cups of water or broth
- Salt (optional)
- Medium saucepan with lid
👨🍳 How to Make Farro on the Stovetop:
1️⃣ Rinse First:
Place farro in a mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. This removes any dust and helps it cook evenly.
2️⃣ Boil Like Pasta:
In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed farro and a pinch of salt if desired.
3️⃣ Simmer Gently:
Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, depending on the type (pearled farro cooks fastest).
4️⃣ Taste Test:
Farro is done when it’s tender but still pleasantly chewy. Drain excess water (like pasta), and you’re good to go!
5️⃣ Fluff and Serve:
Let it cool slightly, fluff with a fork, and use it immediately — or store in the fridge for later use in your favorite farro recipes.
💡 Pro Tip: Cook farro in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for an extra layer of flavor. You can even add a bay leaf or smashed garlic clove while simmering for a subtle aromatic twist.
Now that you know how to make farro with zero stress, you’re ready to build on that base with flavor-packed creations.
Farro Meal Prep 101 – Cook Once, Eat All Week
If you’re trying to eat better, save time, or just want a break from boring grains, farro is a game-changer. Once you know how to make farro, it becomes one of the most meal-prep-friendly ingredients in your kitchen.
📦 Why Use Farro for Meal Prep?
- It holds up in the fridge for 4–5 days without getting mushy
- The chewy texture and nutty flavor stay intact even when reheated
- It pairs with everything from roasted veggies to grilled chicken to feta and olives
🍽️ How to Meal Prep Farro:
1️⃣ Cook a Big Batch
Follow the stovetop method from the last section using 1–2 cups dry farro. Double the water or broth and let it simmer.
2️⃣ Cool and Portion
Once cooked, spread the farro out on a baking sheet to cool quickly (and avoid sogginess). Then divide it into containers for different meals.
3️⃣ Mix and Match Ideas
- Add it to salads with kale, roasted beets, and goat cheese
- Toss it with lemon, herbs, and shrimp for a light grain bowl
- Pair it with roasted squash and tahini for a plant-based lunch
4️⃣ Reheat with Care
Microwave with a splash of broth or water, or toss it into a skillet with your favorite veggies and protein.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze cooked farro in individual servings — perfect for tossing into soups or bowls when you’re short on time.
Whether you’re building grain bowls, power salads, or adding texture to soups, mastering farro recipes through meal prep will make your week way easier (and tastier).
3 Best Farro Salad Ideas for Quick, Healthy Lunches
Farro recipes don’t get any more satisfying than a well-balanced salad. Thanks to farro’s hearty chew and nutty taste, it holds its own in cold dishes and pairs beautifully with both bold and subtle flavors. These are our top picks for the best farro salad combos you’ll want to make again and again.
🥗 1. Mediterranean Farro Salad
This is a meal-prep favorite. Toss cooked farro with:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta
- A drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice
💡 Pro tip: Add a handful of fresh parsley or mint to brighten it up.
🥗 2. Roasted Veggie Farro Salad
Warm or cold, this is a winner. Roast sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and red onions, then mix with farro and:
- Arugula or spinach
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Balsamic vinaigrette
It’s plant-based, filling, and deeply flavorful — a go-to if you’re looking for recipes using farro that work across seasons.
🥗 3. Farro and Apple Harvest Salad
Perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving something sweet-savory. Combine:
- Diced apples
- Farro
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped pecans
- Goat cheese or white cheddar
- Maple-Dijon vinaigrette
A fresh twist on grain salads that proves just how versatile farro recipes can be.
💡 These salads last well in the fridge, making them ideal for weekday lunches, picnics, or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering.
Recipes Using Farro for Hearty Dinners and Satisfying Bowls
If you think farro recipes are just for salads, think again. This grain shines in cozy dinners, protein-packed bowls, and one-skillet meals that fill you up without weighing you down. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture hold up under sauces, slow-roasted ingredients, and bold spices.
Here are three easy dinner ideas using farro you’ll want to add to your rotation:
🍛 1. Farro Mushroom Skillet with Garlic & Herbs
Sauté garlic, shallots, and mushrooms until golden. Stir in cooked farro, a splash of veggie broth, and finish with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s earthy, savory, and ready in 25 minutes.
💡 Want more depth? Add sautéed spinach or white beans for extra protein.
🍲 2. Chicken & Farro Grain Bowls
Layer farro with grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, and a spoonful of hummus or Greek yogurt sauce. It’s the perfect post-workout meal: protein-packed, high-fiber, and completely satisfying.
✨ Make it your own by rotating sauces — think chimichurri, tahini, or even spicy buffalo.
🥘 3. Farro-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix farro with sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, black beans, and your favorite seasoning blend. Stuff into halved bell peppers, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
This twist on classic stuffed peppers delivers texture, comfort, and a solid boost of nutrition.
💡 All of these are meal-prep-friendly and reheat beautifully — perfect if you’ve been mastering how to cook farro in bulk.
Breakfast with Farro? Yes, and Here’s Why You’ll Love It
Farro recipes aren’t limited to salads and savory dinners — they’re surprisingly delicious as a warm, comforting breakfast too. Think oatmeal vibes, but with more chew and flavor. If you’re looking for how to make farro exciting from morning till night, this is it.
🍯 Why Farro Works at Breakfast:
- Naturally nutty and slightly sweet
- Holds its texture better than oats (no mush!)
- High in fiber, protein, and complex carbs
- Super versatile — works with fruits, nuts, and all your favorite toppings
🥣 How to Cook Farro for Breakfast:
Use the same brown rice to water ratio approach — about 1 cup of farro to 2 ½ cups of water or milk (or a mix!). Simmer until tender, about 25–30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
🍓 Sweet Farro Breakfast Bowl Ideas:
1. Cinnamon Apple Farro
Warm cooked farro with sautéed apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
2. Berry Vanilla Farro
Stir in almond milk, vanilla extract, and top with mixed berries and chia seeds.
3. Banana Nut Farro Porridge
Mash a ripe banana into warm farro, add crushed walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of nutmeg.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a big batch of plain farro, store it in the fridge, and reheat individual portions with your toppings of choice.
This is one of those recipes using farro that surprises people — it’s rich, cozy, and keeps you full for hours. Bonus: it’s a creative way to impress your brunch guests.
Breakfast with Farro? Yes, and Here’s Why You’ll Love It
Farro recipes aren’t limited to salads and savory dinners — they’re surprisingly delicious as a warm, comforting breakfast too. Think oatmeal vibes, but with more chew and flavor. If you’re looking for how to make farro exciting from morning till night, this is it.
🍯 Why Farro Works at Breakfast:
- Naturally nutty and slightly sweet
- Holds its texture better than oats (no mush!)
- High in fiber, protein, and complex carbs
- Super versatile — works with fruits, nuts, and all your favorite toppings
🥣 How to Cook Farro for Breakfast:
Use the same approach — about 1 cup of farro to 2 ½ cups of water or milk (or a mix!). Simmer until tender, about 25–30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
🍓 Sweet Farro Breakfast Bowl Ideas:
1. Cinnamon Apple Farro
Warm cooked farro with sautéed apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a detailed recipe, check out this Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl with Cinnamon Apples.
2. Berry Vanilla Farro
Stir in almond milk, vanilla extract, and top with mixed berries and chia seeds. This Berry Farro Breakfast Bowl offers a refreshing take.
3. Banana Nut Farro Porridge
Mash a ripe banana into warm farro, add crushed walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of nutmeg. Try this Banana Nut Breakfast Farro for a comforting start.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a big batch of plain farro, store it in the fridge, and reheat individual portions with your toppings of choice.
This is one of those recipes using farro that surprises people — it’s rich, cozy, and keeps you full for hours. Bonus: it’s a creative way to impress your brunch guests.
How to Make Farro Taste Even Better – Sauces, Add-Ins & More
Once you’ve mastered how to cook farro, the next step is making it unforgettable. The grain itself is wholesome and slightly nutty — a great base — but what takes it from good to great is how you season and serve it.
Whether you’re making savory bowls or sweet porridges, here’s how to bring out the best in your farro recipes.
🌿 Savory Add-Ins & Seasonings:
- Lemon zest + olive oil: Brightens everything up.
- Sautéed garlic + onions: Adds richness and umami.
- Fresh herbs: Try parsley, basil, dill, or mint depending on the recipe.
- Toasted nuts or seeds: Add crunch and depth — think almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
🥣 Go-To Sauces to Mix In:
- Tahini dressing: Great for Mediterranean-style farro bowls.
→ Try Minimalist Baker’s tahini sauce - Chimichurri: Perfect with grilled meats or tofu over farro.
→ Check out Simply Recipes’ chimichurri - Pesto: Classic with roasted veggies and chicken.
→ Try this Spinach Basil Pesto from Cookie and Kate
🍚 Bonus: Sweet Pairings
- For breakfast or desserts, stir in vanilla, cinnamon, nut butter, or maple syrup.
- Top with roasted fruit (like pears or peaches) and a dollop of yogurt.
💡 Pro Tip: Toss farro in the sauce while still warm. It absorbs flavor better when it’s fresh out of the pot.
Now that your farro recipes are bursting with flavor, you’re ready to explore how this versatile grain fits into global cuisines.
Conclusion: Farro Recipes That Fit Every Lifestyle
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, building better lunches, or exploring ancient grains for the first time, farro recipes offer the perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. This chewy, nutty grain stands up to bold dressings, sweet ingredients, and everything in between — and now that you know how to cook farro properly, you’re already halfway there.
From learning how to make farro on the stovetop to creating the best farro salad and even transforming it into breakfast bowls, you’ve unlocked a world of healthy, satisfying meals. It’s no wonder more cooks are experimenting with recipes using farro — the possibilities really are endless.
So whether you’re tossing it into a warm veggie bowl or layering it into a colorful salad, farro is a grain worth mastering — one that fits perfectly into your bites category lifestyle.