Farro Mediterranean Pasta Bowl (Print Version)

Nutty farro pasta with colorful Mediterranean vegetables in zesty olive oil dressing

# Components:

→ Grains and Pasta

01 - 8.8 oz farro pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
05 - 5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 3.5 oz baby spinach
07 - 1 small red onion, finely sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

14 - 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farro pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are just tender while maintaining vibrant color.
04 - Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
06 - In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro pasta, sautéed vegetables, and prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
07 - Divide the pasta mixture among serving bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together fast but tastes like you actually put thought into dinner.
  • The farro pasta has this wonderful nutty bite that regular pasta just doesnt deliver.
  • You can eat it warm straight from the pan or cold from the fridge the next day and it tastes even better.
  • Its flexible enough to handle whatever vegetables you need to clear out of your crisper drawer.
02 -
  • Dont skip salting your pasta water, it seasons the farro from the inside and makes a huge difference in the final dish.
  • If your vegetables release too much water, let them cook a minute longer uncovered to evaporate the excess or your bowl will be soupy.
  • Toss the pasta with the dressing while its still a little warm so it absorbs all those lemony, herby flavors.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining, it helps loosen the dressing and makes everything silky.
  • Let your vegetables cool slightly before tossing them with the pasta so the spinach doesnt wilt too much and the feta doesnt melt completely.
  • Use a large bowl for tossing so you have room to mix without flinging vegetables everywhere.
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