Name: and Goat Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, unpeeled and sliced into 1⁄2-inch-thick (12-mm-thick) rounds, large rounds halved; 1 red onion, cut into 1⁄2-inch (12-mm) wedges; 3 radishes, thinly sliced on a mandoline; 1 small handful fresh dill, roughly chopped; 3⁄4 cup (150 g) dried farro; 2 to 3 ounces (55 to 85 g) goat cheese, broken into bite-size pieces; 2 tablespoons salted pistachios, roasted and roughly chopped; 4 tablespoons (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed for serving; 2 tablespoons vinegar (such as red wine or apple cider vinegar); 1⁄2 lemon, juiced; Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste; Pinch smoked paprika, for serving; Flaky sea salt, for serving

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 30 reviews

There is something truly special about the comforting earthiness of farro paired with sweet roasted potatoes, sharp red onion, and the creamy tang of goat cheese. This Farro Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, and Goat Cheese brings together textures and flavors that sing in harmony. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant lunch or a side dish that steals the show at dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients with a touch of gourmet flair. Trust me, adding goat cheese here is a game-changer that takes this salad from good to unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role—for instance, the sweet potato lends warmth and sweetness, the farro adds a chewy, nutty base, and the goat cheese provides creamy, tangy bursts that elevate the entire dish.

Sweet potato: Unpeeled and sliced into thick rounds for roasting to achieve caramelized edges and tender centers.
Red onion: Cut into wedges; roasting mellows its sharpness while maintaining a punch of flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used both for roasting and dressing, it adds richness and helps marry all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly, balancing sweetness and earthiness.
Dried farro: The chewy grain foundation that holds the salad together with a satisfying bite.
Vinegar: Introduces acidity to lift the salad and brighten the flavors.
Radishes: Thinly sliced for a crisp, refreshing contrast to the roasted elements.
Fresh dill: Roughly chopped for an herbaceous note that adds complexity.
Salted pistachios: Roasted and chopped for crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Goat cheese: Broken into bite-sized pieces, this adds creamy tanginess that ties together the textures.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a citrus zing that brightens every bite.
Smoked paprika and flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to enhance flavor and add subtle smoky depth.

How to Make and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Lay out the sweet potato rounds and onion wedges on a baking sheet. Drizzle with three tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning. Roast these beauties until they are golden brown, tender, and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes, giving the sheet a good shake halfway through. This roasting step brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while softening the pungency of the onions—that’s the magic foundation of the salad.

Step 2: Cook the Farro

While the veggies roast, cook the farro according to the package instructions. The ideal farro texture is tender but still with plenty of chew, adding hearty body to the salad. Once cooked, drain any excess water and keep it warm for the next step.

Step 3: Combine and Dress the Salad and Goat Cheese

In a medium bowl, lightly toss the warm farro with the vinegar, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This warm dressing lets the grains soak up flavor. Then add in the roasted sweet potatoes and onions, thinly sliced radishes for crunch, chopped dill for an herbal lift, roasted pistachios for texture, and—of course—the star: pieces of creamy goat cheese. Finish by drizzling freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkling smoked paprika, flaky sea salt, and extra pepper on top. If the mixture feels too dry, a little extra olive oil glistening on the surface will bring everything together perfectly.

How to Serve and Goat Cheese

Garnishes with Goat Cheese

Garnishing is where you get to add a personal touch. A few extra chunks of goat cheese on top add creaminess right before serving. You can also scatter a few more chopped pistachios or a sprig of dill to make the salad feel fresh and inviting. The contrast of the creamy goat cheese against the crunchy nuts and fresh herbs is simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic light main or a hearty side. It also works wonderfully alongside a protein-rich hummus platter for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. The bright flavors and varied textures make it flexible enough to complement many meals without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present and Goat Cheese

For a stunning presentation, serve this salad in a large rustic bowl or individual mason jars layered with vibrant ingredients. You can even use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or pita pockets, allowing the tangy bites of goat cheese to surprise you with every forkful. No matter how you serve it, the inclusion of tangy goat cheese keeps this dish exciting and complex.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover farro salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the goat cheese separate if possible, adding it just before serving to preserve its creamy texture. If already combined, the salad might benefit from a little extra drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice when you serve the next day.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of roasted vegetables and goat cheese, making them less appetizing once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy this salad warm, gently reheat only the farro and roasted vegetables in a microwave or skillet. Add fresh goat cheese and other delicate ingredients afterward for that fresh burst of flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh instead of dried farro?

Fresh farro is usually precooked or parboiled and can be used to save time; just reduce the cooking accordingly. The key is to have tender, chewy grains that hold up well in the salad.

What type of goat cheese works best?

Soft, spreadable goat cheese with a tangy bite is ideal. Avoid overly dry or crumbly varieties that won’t melt slightly into the warm ingredients.

Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well and each brings its own unique nutty flavor and crunch.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but keep the goat cheese separate until ready to eat to preserve its texture, and add any fresh herbs or garnishes just before serving.

How can I make the salad more tangy?

Increase the amount of vinegar or lemon juice slightly, or add a spoonful of tangy mustard to the dressing for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Making this Farro Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Red Onion, and Goat Cheese is like creating a beautiful symphony on a plate, where every ingredient shines but also complements one another perfectly. The creamy and tangy goat cheese scattered throughout provides that special touch that makes people come back for seconds. I promise if you give this recipe a try, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen and on your table. Happy cooking!