Summer salads should do more than simply fill a plate—they should bring together fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and ingredients that make you excited to dig in. That’s exactly what this Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries and Feta cheese delivers. Sweet strawberries, salty feta cheese, fresh basil, and hearty farro come together with a bright lemon vinaigrette for a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
As part of my summer salad series, I’m sharing recipes that help take the boring out of salads. During the warmer months, I naturally gravitate toward meals that feel lighter and more refreshing, but I still want them to be satisfying. Farro helps bridge that gap by adding substance and chewiness, while the strawberries and greens keep things fresh and seasonal.
Nutrition Highlights
Farro may not be as commonly used as grains like rice or quinoa, but it’s one worth getting to know. As a whole grain, farro provides fiber, along with vitamins and minerals, and its hearty, chewy texture makes it especially satisfying. Whole grains have been associated with a variety of health benefits, including supporting heart health and overall dietary quality, yet many of us don’t eat enough of them on a regular basis. Enter this salad as a great way to get started!
One of the things I love about this salad is that it goes beyond the typical “leafy green salad.” The farro adds substance and staying power, while the mixed greens, strawberries, fresh basil, and feta cheese bring layers of flavor, color, and texture. Together, they create a balanced dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying—a reminder that salads can be so much more than just a bowl of lettuce.
Ingredients: Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries & Feta Cheese
- Farro (1/2 cup dry): A hearty whole grain with a pleasantly chewy texture that makes this salad satisfying enough for a meal.
- Mixed greens (4 cups): Provide a fresh, tender base and add volume and color to the salad.
- Strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Sweet, juicy, and in peak season during the summer months, they bring brightness and natural sweetness.
- Feta cheese (2 ounces, crumbled): Adds a salty contrast that balances the sweetness of the berries.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, julienned): Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements both the strawberries and lemon vinaigrette.
- Lemon vinaigrette (¼ to ⅓ cup): Ties everything together with bright citrus flavor and a light, refreshing finish.
How To Make Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries & Feta Cheese
- Cook the farro according to package directions. Once tender, drain any excess liquid and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette according to the recipe directions, whisking until well combined.
- Transfer the cooled farro to a large serving bowl and drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette. Toss well to ensure the farro is evenly coated with the dressing. This allows the grains to absorb some of the bright lemon flavor.
- Add the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and fresh basil to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to a serving platter or leave in the bowl, then finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed shortly after assembling, as the mixed greens will begin to wilt once dressed. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, combine the farro and vinaigrette and store separately from the mixed greens, strawberries, basil, and feta cheese. Just before serving, toss everything together and add an extra drizzle of the lemon vinaigrette to freshen up the salad.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and satisfying. The farro adds substance and texture, while the strawberries provide bursts of sweetness throughout. The feta contributes a salty creaminess, and the basil brings a fresh herbaceous note that makes every bite feel distinctly summer inspired.
If preparing ahead of time, cook and cool the farro and prep the strawberries and basil separately. Store the dressing on the side and toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens fresh and vibrant.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this salad is how adaptable it is. While strawberries bring a sweet, juicy flavor that’s perfect for summer, fresh cherries make a delicious seasonal swap when they’re available. Not a fan of feta cheese? Goat cheese works beautifully, adding a creamy contrast to the fruit and farro. You can also switch up the herbs—fresh mint offers a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs especially well with both strawberries and cherries. Think of this recipe as a starting point and don’t be afraid to make it your own based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Other Summer Salads
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Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries and Feta Cheese
This Summer Farro Salad with Strawberries and Feta Cheese combines hearty farro, fresh berries, basil, and lemon vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful summer salad.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup semi-pearled farro
- 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup basil, julienned
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the farro according to package directions. Once tender, drain any excess liquid and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the lemon vinaigrette according to the recipe directions, whisking until well combined.
- Transfer the cooled farro to a large serving bowl and drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette. Toss well to ensure the farro is evenly coated with the dressing. This allows the grains to absorb some of the bright lemon flavor.
- Add the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and fresh basil to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to a serving platter or leave in the bowl, then finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed shortly after assembling, as the mixed greens will begin to wilt once dressed. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, combine the farro and vinaigrette and store separately from the mixed greens, strawberries, basil, and feta cheese. Just before serving, toss everything together and add an extra drizzle of the lemon vinaigrette to freshen up the salad.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Salads
