Author Notes
I like to use whole grains for salads. In this one the pesto really complements the grain and the mozzarella lends a creaminess that tames the peppery arugula. There is more pesto than the recipe calls for because it is better to be able to add more to your taste than fall short and not have enough. If you have extra try it in your omelet in the morning. - thirschfeld —thirschfeld
Test Kitchen Notes
I made this salad for a dinner party and we all really enjoyed it. The pesto was gorgeous and very tasty. We really loved the farro and thought that the salad, even without the pesto, was delicious, with a nice kick from the red pepper flakes. It was also beautiful -- thirschfeld's instructions were very clear as to cutting the tomatoes and cheese into small cubes. That made for a beautiful, well balanced salad, which on its own could be a light lunch. With the pesto, it's rich and smooth and creamy. I thought all the flavors melded together beautifully. I did add a bit more lemon -- it brightened up the flavor of the pesto considerably. - drbabs —The Editors
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Ingredients
- For the pesto:
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2 cups
arugula, washed and dried
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1 teaspoon
fresh garlic, minced
-
1/2 cup
walnuts, toasted
-
1 cup
Manchego cheese, grated
-
1/4 to 1/2 cups
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- For the salad
-
2 cups
cooked farro
-
1/2 cup
tomatoes, 1/4 inch dice
-
1/2 teaspoon
red pepper flakes
-
2 teaspoons
fresh lemon juice
-
2 tablespoons
chives, finely chopped
-
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
-
8 ounces
fresh mozzarella, diced
Directions
-
With the exception of the olive oil combine all the pesto ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse it a few times to form a paste.
-
With the processor running drizzle in a 1/4 cup of oil and blend. If it seems wet enough do not add more oil but if it seems dry add a teaspoon or two.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
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In a mixing bowl combine the farro with half the pesto and mix it to combine. Add the tomatoes, pepper flakes, lemon juice, chives, and mozzarella. Toss the salad to combine and taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary or add more pesto if you think it needs it. Serve.
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