Harvest Farro Salad

This plant-packed salad features all the flavors we look forward to once fall rolls around…namely, cranberries, kale and roasted butternut squash! Filling farro adds fiber and protein to the dish, while a tangy apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together. This recipe comes to us from Tiffany from Parsnips and Pastries.

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
• 12 ounces of cubed butternut squash, roasted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, roasted and salted
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 cups cooked farro, cooled*
• 5 ounces baby kale
• 1 heaping cup arugula
• 1 Gala apple, cut into matchsticks
• For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon Dijon
• 3 teaspoons honey
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Make the vinaigrette:
Combine all of the ingredients in a glass mason jar and shake vigorously until combined. Set aside to let meld.

Roast the butternut squash and cook the farro:
Combine the butternut squash with a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until tender.
For the farro, cook 1 cup of dried farro in 3 cups of water or stock. Add rinsed farro to a pot of water/stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain and let cool.

Assemble salad:
Cut the apple into matchsticks and roughly chop the pecans. Toss with the kale, arugula, farro, squash, and cranberries. Dress with the vinaigrette and serve topped with additional pecans and cranberries, if desired.