Healthy Warm Farro Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Farro (whole grain): 500g
2. Cherry Tomatoes: 200g
3. Fresh Basil: 50g
4. Red Onion: 1 small (about 150g)
5. Feta Cheese: 150g
6. Olives (any type): 100g
7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tbsp
8. BALSAMIC vinegar: 2 tbsp
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare farro by rinsing in water to remove any dust or debris.
3. In a pot, boil farro with salt until tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and set aside to cool.
4. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 15 minutes until slightly softened.
5. In the meantime, thinly slice the red onion and let it sit for about 10 minutes to reduce the pungent taste (optional).
6. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
7. Once the farro is cooled, place in a large bowl with the cherry tomatoes, basil, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
8. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour over the salad. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: about 400-450
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 6-8g (Based on ingredients used)

Dish Characteristics:

• Warm and hearty, yet light on the palate due to the use of whole grains and fresh ingredients.
• A perfect balance of flavors with the combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and acidic balsamic vinegar.
• High in fiber and protein, making it a great meal for a healthy lifestyle.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was refreshing and filling at the same time! The combination of flavors was outstanding." - John Doe
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make yet so satisfying. It's a great dish for a weekend lunch." - Jane Smith
3. "I usually don't like salads that much but this one is an exception! The farro gives it such a hearty texture." - Emily Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar based on your preference for tanginess.
• If you can find it, use authentic farro to ensure the best texture and taste.