Quick Kale & Farro Salad with Sourdough Breadcrumbs Recipe

On a crisp autumn day, this hearty kale and farro salad with sourdough breadcrumbs brings warmth and nourishment to your plate.

Tender kale leaves dance with nutty farro, creating a delightful texture that surprises and satisfies.

The golden, crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs add a rustic charm that elevates every single bite.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad offers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and complex carbohydrates.

Each forkful tells a story of seasonal ingredients carefully combined for maximum flavor.

Rich in nutrients and remarkably simple to assemble, this dish proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Dive into this recipe and transform your lunch routine with a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Kale & Farro Salad – Ingredients List

• Kale: Sturdy leafy green that provides robust texture and nutritional punch; choose crisp, deeply colored leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Farro: Ancient grain offering hearty, nutty foundation; select whole grain variety for maximum nutrition and chewy texture.

• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that builds deep savory notes; opt for fresh, firm cloves without sprouting.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that tenderizes kale and balances richness; choose juicy, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Chile Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity; select high-quality, vibrant red flakes for maximum flavor.
• Pecorino Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides creamy depth; look for authentic Italian aged variety.
• Black Pepper: Warm, earthy spice that elevates overall seasoning; freshly ground offers most intense flavor.
• Barberries: Tangy dried fruit that introduces unexpected tartness; choose plump, glossy berries.

• Sourdough Breadcrumbs: Crunchy element creating delightful contrast; use day-old bread for optimal texture.
• Olive Oil: Silky binding agent that adds richness; select extra virgin for best flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies other ingredients; use kosher or sea salt for clean taste.

Tool for Kale & Farro Salad with Breadcrumbs

• Large cutting board: Perfect for chopping kale and prepping ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Essential for mincing garlic and slicing kale.
• Salad spinner: Crucial for washing and drying kale thoroughly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for tossing and combining salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing dressing ingredients.
• Mortar and pestle (optional): Great for crushing garlic into a paste.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Half sheet pan: Used for toasting breadcrumbs in the oven.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring breadcrumbs while baking.

Making the Kale & Farro Salad

• Kale Preparation

Gently remove tough stems from kale leaves. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces based on the kale variety. Rinse thoroughly in cool water and dry completely using a salad spinner.

• Flavor Base

Crush garlic into a smooth paste using a knife or mortar and pestle. Combine with olive oil, lemon juice, chile flakes, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant dressing.

• Salad Assembly

Massage dressing into kale leaves, ensuring every piece is coated. Sprinkle pecorino cheese and let sit for a few minutes to soften the greens.

• Farro Cooking

Cook farro according to package directions. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Allow to cool completely.

• Sourdough Breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread sourdough crumbs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally.

• Final Presentation

Layer kale in serving bowls. Top with cooled farro, crunchy breadcrumbs, tangy barberries, and an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Helpful Tips for Kale & Farro Salad

• Gently knead the kale with dressing to break down its tough fibers, making it more tender and flavorful without wilting the leaves completely.
• Replace kale with Swiss chard, spinach, or arugula for a different nutritional profile and unique taste experience while maintaining the salad's core structure.
• Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or pan-seared tofu to transform this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal with extra protein.
• Substitute pecorino with parmesan, manchego, or nutritional yeast for vegans to create different flavor dimensions while maintaining the salad's creamy essence.
• Enhance sourdough breadcrumbs by mixing in dried thyme, rosemary, or za'atar before baking to introduce additional aromatic layers and complexity to the dish.

Serving Up Kale & Farro Salad

• Rustic Lunch Companion: Pair this vibrant kale and farro salad with a hearty tomato soup or grilled vegetable sandwich for a satisfying midday meal that balances nutrition and flavor.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a stunning appetizer layout by serving this salad alongside hummus, olives, roasted red peppers, and warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance the salad's nutritional profile by adding grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy tofu on top, transforming it from a side dish to a complete and filling main course.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the salad's tangy and earthy notes with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light, refreshing sauvignon blanc to elevate your dining experience.

How to Store Kale & Farro Salad

• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Chop kale and prepare dressing in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to streamline weeknight cooking.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep the assembled salad components separate until serving to maintain crispness of breadcrumbs and prevent soggy textures, storing kale, farro, and dressing in individual containers.
• Smart Batch Cooking Technique: Prepare larger quantities of farro and toasted breadcrumbs during weekend meal prep, which can be easily refrigerated and used throughout the week for multiple meals.
• Flavor-Boosting Leftover Trick: Revive day-old salad by gently reheating farro, re-crisping breadcrumbs in a dry skillet, and adding fresh lemon juice to brighten the overall taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Vibrant Kale & Farro Salad with Sourdough Breadcrumbs

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Mediterranean kale and farro salad blends rustic ingredients with crisp sourdough breadcrumbs. Nutritious greens and nutty grains create a satisfying meal that connects Mediterranean culinary traditions with contemporary home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bunch (6 oz / 170 g) kale, thick ribs removed
• 1 cup (114 g) farro, cooked
• 2 slices day-old sourdough bread, torn into coarse crumbs (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup (42 g) pecorino romano cheese, finely grated
• ¼ cup (50 g) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice, from 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ cup barberries
• 1/8 tsp dried chile flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Kale Preparation: Remove tough stems from kale, tearing curly varieties into bite-sized pieces or slicing lacinato kale into thin ribbons.
2. Dressing Creation: Craft a zesty vinaigrette by blending crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chile flakes, salt, and black pepper until harmoniously combined.
3. Kale Massage: Thoroughly work dressing into kale leaves, ensuring complete coverage, then fold in pecorino cheese and allow to rest for flavor melding.
4. Farro Cooking: Simmer farro according to package guidelines, drain completely, and toss with olive oil and salt before cooling to room temperature.
5. Breadcrumb Transformation: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread sourdough crumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake until golden and crisp, stirring periodically.
6. Final Composition: Layer dressed kale in serving vessels, crown with cooled farro, scatter crispy breadcrumbs and barberries, then finish with an elegant dusting of pecorino cheese.

Notes

• Kale Prep Trick: Remove tough stems carefully to ensure tender, enjoyable bites and prevent stringy texture.
• Garlic Paste Magic: Creating a smooth garlic paste helps distribute flavor evenly and intensifies the dressing’s taste profile.
• Massage Technique: Gently massaging kale with dressing breaks down tough fibers, making leaves softer and more palatable.
• Breadcrumb Pro Tip: Watch breadcrumbs closely while baking to achieve perfect golden crispiness without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg