GRAIN SALAD WITH OLIVES AND WHOLE-LEMON VINAIGRETTE

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Grain Salad with Olives and Whole-Lemon Vinaigrette image

Look for Castelvetrano olives for this salad recipe; their buttery flesh and mild flavor will convert the most olive-averse.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     Bon Appétit     Salad     Side     Grains     Olive     Lemon     Shallot     Mint     Parsley     Fall

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups unhulled farro or spelt
Kosher salt
2 cups green olives
1 lemon, halved, seeds removed, finely chopped (peel and flesh), plus more juice if desired
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cups coarsely chopped mint and/or cilantro
2 cups coarsely chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Cook farro in a large wide pot over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown and toasted (it should start to smell like popcorn), about 4 minutes. Remove pot from heat and pour in cold water to cover grains by 1"; throw in a generous amount of salt (a healthy handful should do it). Set pot over medium-high heat and bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming surface occasionally of any foam that may rise to the top, until grains are tender but still have some bite, 25-35 minutes. Drain and transfer farro to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, using the side of a chef's knife, coarsely crush olives to break them up into large craggy pieces; discard pits. Place in a large bowl and add chopped lemon and shallots. Toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Let mixture sit 5 minutes to allow shallots to slightly pickle and flavors to meld.
  • Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium. Add olive mixture and cook, swirling occasionally, until ingredients are warmed through and shallots are slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Scrape vinaigrette into bowl with farro and toss to combine. Taste grain salad and season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice if you want.
  • Just before you're ready to eat, fold herbs into salad.
  • Do Ahead
  • Grains can be cooked 1 day ahead; let cool, then cover and chill. Salad (without herbs) can be made 6 hours ahead; cover and chill.

JALAl Uddin
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This is a great salad for a summer party or potluck.


Nhana Kwame
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I love that this salad is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.


Al Rahim
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.


Zak Trujillo
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I wasn't sure about the whole lemon vinaigrette, but it was actually really good. It added a nice tangy flavor to the salad.


Akif It
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This salad is very refreshing and flavorful. I love the combination of grains and olives.


Tonya Doolin
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I've made this salad several times and it's always a hit. It's the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish.


Deangelo Clark
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I'm not a big fan of olives, but I really enjoyed this salad. The dressing is amazing!


Eliazar Opiyo
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover grains. I also love that it's a healthy and filling meal.


ojukwu Somto
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I found this salad to be a bit bland. I think it needed more seasoning.


Shawn Hicks
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Not a fan of this salad. The flavors were too strong for me.


Faith Afreh
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This salad is so easy to make and it's always delicious. I've made it with different grains and it's always great.


Zoyan awaisAli
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I made this salad for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor.


Colton Frantz
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This grain salad is a keeper! It's flavorful and refreshing. I especially love the combination of salty olives and juicy lemon.