Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Farro

I can’t wait for fresh tomatoes.   I wanted to make a main entree salad for dinner and came across a tasty sounding recipe at Epicurious.   I found some fairly priced organic cherry tomatoes at the grocery store, but when I got home, they had definitely been picked green.   Not too tasty.

Toss them in this salad though and you won’t notice.  (Not at least too much.)

2015-01-26 17.28.56

This salad comes together quickly, especially if using a purchased rotisserie chicken.

 

Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Farro
based on Mediterranean Chicken Salad

1 c. farro
6 oz. extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 oz. red wine vinegar
2 T. chopped fresh basil
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 T. Dijon mustard
3 c. diced cooked chicken (from one 3-pound purchased cooked chicken)
1 c. halved cherry tomatoes (about 10 ounces)
1 (7.5 oz.) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 c. coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata olives
1 1/2 T. drained capers

Cook farro according to directions.  Cool.

Combine oil, vinegar, basil, lemon juice, and mustard in a blender.   Pulse to blend.  Measure out 1/4 cup of the dressing and toss with the diced chicken.   Reserve remainder of the dressing.

Toss cooled farro with the chicken.   Stir in remaining dressing and toss to coat. Add  tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cucumber, olives,  and capers. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

2015-01-26 17.28.42The original recipe called for orzo, but I swapped in the farro instead and added the cukes.  I think that makes it healthier, right?  The original recipe also called for tarragon instead of basil and also included dried currants to the mix.  Check it out here if you would like.

This would be so much better with garden fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

8 comments to Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Farro

  • Angie@Angie's Recipes

    Me neither! I just planted some tomato seeds yesterday . Well, it’s still a bit cool, but I really don’t want to wait any longer! The farro salad looks very satisfying and delicious, Debra.

  • Good morning Debra:)
    Isn’t it disappointing when you buy tomatoes at the store that look so ready and blah! they’re green inside! Oh how I’m patiently waiting for tomato season too. I actually took some roasted tomato puree out of the freezer last night because I can’t stand it anymore, lol…Your salad looks nice and refreshing though. I love the addition of artichoke hearts. They have a way of brightening things up!

    Thanks so much for sharing, Debra…

  • Shame about the tomatoes :/ But on a nicer note, this looks like a delicious light lunch or dinner!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • Looks great – and you know, I was just last night thinking how much I wanted a vine ripened tomato for a dish I am making today – it’s not going to taste very good without that extra Umph! I’m saving this for the summer when that taste will enhanced – pinning!

    • I think I might be able to get some hydroponic tomatoes this weekend. Going to a garden-type function. I cannot wait. I’ve bought some tomato seeds that are good for containers. I am getting those planted now in the green house!