This vibrant and nutritious salad combines nutty farro with fresh spinach, tender asparagus, and sweet strawberries, all topped with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta. A drizzle of homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette ties all the flavors together, making it a perfect dish for a light lunch or a refreshing side at dinner!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup farro
• 1 small bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup walnuts

For the Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the farro according to package directions and let cool.
2. While the farro is cooking, prepare the asparagus.
   • Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
   • Blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set asparagus aside.
3. Prepare the honey balsamic vinaigrette.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
   • Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well combined.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the salad.
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked farro, blanched asparagus, spinach, sliced strawberries, and walnuts.
   • Crumble the feta cheese over the top.
   • Drizzle the honey balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
   • Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Tips:

• You can prepare the farro, strawberries and asparagus ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
• For a bit of extra flavor, consider roasting the asparagus instead of blanching it.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Serve with grilled chicken, salmon or tofu for extra protein.

Nutrient Breakdown:

• Makes 3-6 servings depending on if serving as main dish or as a side.
• Per 3 servings: 504 calories, 37 grams of carbs, 9 grams of protein, 37 grams of fat.