Growing Chefs! Ontario Farro Salad with Squash, Kale, and Pickled Shallots

Farro Salad with Squash, Kale, and Pickled Shallots

This hearty grain salad celebrates fall’s best flavours; nutty farro, roasted squash, and bright pickled shallots. It’s a warm-and-cool salad that can be enjoyed as a main or a side. The chewy farro and tender kale make it both satisfying and wholesome!”
Difficulty
Intermediate
Yield
Serves 6-8

Pickled Shallots

Ingredients
2 large shallots, thinly sliced1/2 cup apple cider vinegar1/2 cup water1 tablespoon sugar1/2 teaspoon salt

Salad

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups farro1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced2 tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 teaspoon garam masala1 bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Dressing

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Salt to taste
Equipment
Measuring cupsMeasuring spoonsChef's knifeCutting boardMedium potBaking sheetParchment paperMixing bowls, various sizesWhiskStrainerWooden spoonDish towelTasting spoons

Directions

Get Organized!

Gather your mise en place; get together all of the equipment needed for the recipe and gather your ingredients.

Get Prepped!

Make the pickled shallots by combining the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour the hot liquid over the sliced shallots in a heatproof bowl or jar and let sit while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Rinse the farro under cold water. Add to a medium pot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 2530 minutes. Drain and spread on a tray to cool slightly.

Toss the diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast at 400°F until tender and golden, about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and massage lightly with a drizzle of olive oil until slightly softened.

Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and honey, in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, and season with salt to taste. 

Get Cooking!

Drain the pickled shallots. In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted squash, kale, and dressing. Toss gently to coat. Add the pickled shallots, pumpkin seeds, and feta (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.