Grain salad with tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh meal

Ingredients for Grain salad with tomatoes and cucumbers

• 240 g semi-pearled farro or spelt

• to taste kosher salt

• 45 g pine nuts

• 3 medium persian cucumbers, peeled, cut into 2 cm pieces

• 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 480 ml sun gold and/or cherry tomatoes, halved crosswise

• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced

• juice of 1 lemon (or more)

• 80 ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 30 ml red wine vinegar

• freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 60 g torn basil leaves

How to make Grain salad with tomatoes and cucumbers

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).

2. Cook the farro in a large casserole dish or heavy pot over medium heat, stirring often, until it is golden brown and toasted — it should smell slightly like popcorn and some grains may pop, which will take about 4 minutes.

3. Remove the pot from the heat and pour in cold water to cover the grains by 2.5 cm. Add a generous handful of salt.

4. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, skimming any foam from the surface occasionally, until the grains are tender but still have some bite, about 25–35 minutes.

5. Drain the farro and transfer it to a large bowl.

6. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts on a rimmed baking tray, tossing them once, until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let them cool.

7. Add the toasted pine nuts, cucumbers, both types of tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, oil, and vinegar to the bowl with the farro. Toss everything together to combine.

8. Taste the salad and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice, if desired.

9. Top the salad with fresh basil just before serving.

10. Note: Farro can be cooked a day in advance. Let it cool, then cover and chill in the refrigerator.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.