Fall Farro Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Maple Apple Cider Dressing

Nutty, chewy, and bright, this fall farro salad is decorated with pomegranate seeds and dried cranberries, and dressed with a gently sweet maple apple cider vinegar dressing with a hint of woodsy herbs.

Ok guys…Thanksgiving is officially approaching! Countdown: 18 days! Forget what I said when I introduced my chocolate chip pumpkin muffins or pumpkin pizza. This fall farro salad commences the get excited for Thanksgiving exclamation points!!! (!!!)

This year, Thanksgiving is bittersweet for me…It’s the last year Thanksgiving is in my childhood home. My parents are moving from a house that has been in my family for over 50 years…it’s the end of an era! ((But I’m 100% behind my parents’ choice to move and I’m excited for this next chapter of their (and my) life.)) 

Since this year is extra special, I’m debuting some brand spankin’ new recipes, in addition to classics that are as sacred as family heirlooms.

This fall farro salad has layers and layers of flavor, but it’s a one-bowl wonder! Can you say easy clean up?! You can assemble most of this recipe the night before and finish it off on Thanksgiving morning to allow more time for the flavors to meld…and to fully focus on the stuffing!

Or just make this recipe for lunch today…because your taste buds shouldn’t have to wait 18 days!

A loyal reader suggested a fall salad with wheat berries and cranberries, but since 3 supermarkets I went to didn’t have wheat berries, I opted for a farro salad. #accessibility

>>P.S.: You can buy wheat berries here!<<

Farro is the perfect fall grain (and, OK, wheat berries are a close second) because of the nutty, chewy and hearty texture and it’s 100% good-for-you! Love it when that happens!

Quinoa gets all the hype as the protein-packed grain, but, cup-for-cup, farro contains the same amount of protein (8 grams per cooked cup!), to keep you full and satisfied through the afternoon.

Farro is also…

• Full of fiber (7 grams per cup!)
• 100% a whole grain, which helps lower cholesterol, control diabetes, and aid heart health!
• Loaded with magnesium, which some studies suggest can help relieve tension (perfect for the hectic holiday season!)
• Easy to cook (I proooomise!)

In addition to being good for you, this fall farro salad is…

• SO easy to make
• Perfect for lunch (and leftovers taste even better than the original batch!)
• Filling and nutritious
• Vegan
• Food allergy friendly
• Easy to customize

Oh em gee.

Lightly sweet, but woodsy from the addition of rosemary and thyme, this dressing is crazy good, out of this world, you’ll want to lick the bowl. I won’t tell anyone if you do 😉

[Tweet “A protein-packed fall farro salad w/ maple apple cider vinegar dressing via @ChelseyAmerRD #Thanksgiving”]

Now whatcha waiting for?! Dig in…

I’ve made it twice in the past week! 🙂

Have a great start to the week…and happy menu planning!
XO