13 Amazing Farro Recipes That Make This Ancient Grain Shine

Farro brings nutty flavor and hearty texture to every meal, making it the perfect whole grain for today’s kitchens. This ancient ingredient transforms simple dishes into satisfying, nutritious masterpieces.

These versatile recipes showcase farro’s incredible ability to work in everything from creamy risottos to fresh salads and warming soups.

01. Pressure Cooker Farro Risotto

Creamy farro replaces traditional Arborio rice in this modern risotto twist. The pressure cooker makes this elegant dish weeknight-friendly while maintaining that perfect al dente texture.

Ingredients: 1½ cups pearled farro, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup dry white wine, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Pressure Cooker Farro Risotto

1. Heat olive oil in your pressure cooker using the sauté function. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add farro and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain with the aromatic oil mixture.

3. Pour in white wine and let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol. Add vegetable broth, seal the pressure cooker, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

4. Quick-release pressure and stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.

02. Italian Sausage Farro Skillet with Squash

This one-pan wonder combines savory Italian sausage with nutty farro and seasonal vegetables. The delicata squash adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, herbed sausage.

Ingredients: 1 cup pearled farro, 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 delicata squash (sliced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 1 onion (diced), 2½ cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Italian Sausage Farro Skillet with Squash

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.

2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for another 4 minutes until they release their moisture and start browning.

3. Add farro and thyme, stirring to coat with the flavorful fat from the sausage. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

4. Add sliced delicata squash on top, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

03. Instant Pot Thanksgiving Farro Bowl

This warm vegetarian bowl captures all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving in one dish. Roasted cauliflower, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios create the perfect autumn comfort meal.

Ingredients: 1½ cups pearled farro, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets), ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup shelled pistachios, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sage, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Instant Pot Thanksgiving Farro Bowl

1. Add farro, vegetable broth, sage, and cinnamon to your Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.

2. Place cauliflower florets on top of the farro mixture without stirring. Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower and season with salt and pepper.

3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

4. Gently stir the cooked farro and cauliflower together. Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pistachios just before serving for the best texture contrast.

04. Fresh Caprese Farro Bowl

Classic Caprese flavors meet hearty farro in this refreshing grain salad. Unlike pasta, farro holds its texture beautifully when dressed, making this perfect for meal prep lunches.

Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked farro (cooled), 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cubed), ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped), 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Fresh Caprese Farro Bowl

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, creating a tangy dressing that will coat every grain perfectly.

2. Add cooled cooked farro to the dressing and toss well to ensure every grain is coated. Let this sit for 5 minutes so the farro absorbs the flavors.

3. Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and cubed mozzarella, being careful not to break up the cheese. The tomatoes will release their juices and enhance the dressing.

4. Add fresh chopped basil just before serving to maintain its bright color and aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance.

05. Mexican-Style Farro Pilaf

Traditional Spanish rice gets a nutritious makeover with protein-packed farro in this flavorful side dish. Tomatoes, onions, and spices create an authentic taste that pairs perfectly with any Mexican meal.

Ingredients: 1½ cups pearled farro, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (drained), 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Mexican-Style Farro Pilaf

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and lightly golden around the edges.

2. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant. Add farro and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Add drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly and coat the farro with their rich flavor.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until farro is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Let stand off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper before serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

06. One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy and Farro

Tender chicken thighs and crisp bok choy create a complete meal with nutty farro as the hearty base. This balanced dish delivers protein, vegetables, and whole grains in every satisfying bite.

Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), 1½ cups pearled farro, 4 heads baby bok choy (halved), 3 cups chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 inch ginger (grated), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy and Farro

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. Flip chicken and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for extra taste.

3. Add farro to the same skillet and toast for 2 minutes in the chicken drippings. Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth and nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then transfer to a 375°F oven for 25 minutes.

5. Add halved bok choy around the chicken and cook 10 more minutes until bok choy is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

07. Mediterranean Farro Summer Salad

This vibrant grain salad captures the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean with fresh herbs and tangy feta. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked farro (cooled), 1 cucumber (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), ½ red onion (thinly sliced), ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted), ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon oregano.

How To Make Mediterranean Farro Summer Salad

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano in a large bowl, whisking until well blended. This bright dressing will bring all the Mediterranean flavors together perfectly.

2. Add cooled cooked farro to the dressing and toss well, ensuring every grain is coated. Let this marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the citrusy flavors.

3. Fold in diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. The vegetables add fresh crunch and color to complement the chewy farro texture.

4. Gently stir in Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice if needed for brightness.

08. Instant Pot Chicken Farro Soup

This hearty soup combines tender chicken with chewy farro in a comforting broth. The Instant Pot makes quick work of this nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, 1 cup pearled farro, 6 cups chicken broth, 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon thyme, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Farro Soup

1. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.

2. Remove chicken and add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then return chicken to the pot along with farro, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir to combine.

4. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.

5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then stir back into the soup. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

09. Ancient Roman Wild Mushroom Farro

This rustic dish celebrates farro’s ancient Roman roots with earthy wild mushrooms and cream. The combination creates a rich, satisfying alternative to traditional risotto with deeper, nuttier flavors.

Ingredients: 1½ cups pearled farro, 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (sliced), 3 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup dry white wine, 1 large shallot (minced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated).

How To Make Ancient Roman Wild Mushroom Farro

1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and their liquid evaporates.

2. Add minced shallot to the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant throughout.

3. Add farro and stir to coat with the mushroom mixture for 2 minutes. Pour in white wine and let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol.

4. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until farro is tender but still has a slight bite.

5. Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter, cooking for 2 more minutes until creamy. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

10. Golden Crispy Farro Patties

These crispy farro cakes make excellent appetizers or vegetarian main courses. The secret is using just enough egg and cheese to bind without making them heavy or soggy.

Ingredients: 3 cups cooked farro (cooled), 2 large eggs (beaten), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 green onions (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying.

How To Make Golden Crispy Farro Patties

1. Combine cooked farro, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl, mixing until the grains are well coated and hold together when pressed.

2. Stir in chopped green onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

3. Form the mixture into 8 patties, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together during cooking. Let them rest for 5 minutes to set up properly.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.

5. Carefully flip patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy on the outside.

11. Greek Village Farro Salad

Sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese transform simple farro into a Mediterranean masterpiece. This colorful salad improves as it sits, making it perfect for potlucks and meal prep.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked farro (cooled), ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 1 red bell pepper (diced), ½ red onion (diced), ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Greek Village Farro Salad

1. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to create a classic Greek-style dressing.

2. Add cooled cooked farro to the dressing and toss well, ensuring every grain is coated with the tangy vinaigrette. Let this marinate for 15 minutes.

3. Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion. These ingredients add bursts of color, texture, and authentic Mediterranean flavors.

4. Gently stir in crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley just before serving. The cheese will soften slightly and create creamy pockets throughout the salad.

12. Spiced Farro Lentil Masala

This hearty vegan dish combines protein-rich farro and lentils with warming Indian spices. Garam masala adds complex flavor while keeping the heat level perfectly manageable for everyone.

Ingredients: 1 cup pearled farro, 1 cup red lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon ginger (grated), 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 3 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 can coconut milk, salt to taste.

How To Make Spiced Farro Lentil Masala

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden around the edges.

2. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and bloom in the oil.

3. Add farro, red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot tightly.

4. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until both farro and lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened to a stew-like consistency.

5. Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 5 more minutes to heat through. Season with salt and serve hot over rice or with naan bread.

13. Butternut Squash Farro with Blood Orange Dressing

Roasted butternut squash and tart cranberries create a stunning autumn salad with nutty farro. The blood orange vinaigrette adds bright citrus notes that perfectly balance the sweet, earthy flavors.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked farro (cooled), 3 cups butternut squash (cubed), ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup toasted pecans (chopped), ¼ cup blood orange juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Butternut Squash Farro with Blood Orange Dressing

1. Toss cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.

2. Whisk together blood orange juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl until smooth and emulsified. This creates a perfectly balanced sweet-tart dressing.

3. Add cooled cooked farro to the dressing and toss well to coat every grain. Let this sit for 10 minutes so the farro absorbs the citrusy flavors.

4. Gently fold in roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. The warm squash will slightly wilt the dressing, creating a cohesive salad.

5. Let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow all flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.

Final Thoughts

These farro recipes prove that ancient grains deserve a place in modern kitchens. From creamy risottos to fresh salads, farro’s nutty flavor and satisfying texture elevate every dish.

Start with one recipe that catches your eye and discover why farro will quickly become your new favorite whole grain ingredient.