Farro, Cherry & Walnut Salad

Farro isn't a grain that everyone knows, but it's a chewy, nutty grain that is very satisfying.
Mixed with a bit of crunch from walnuts and celery, sweetness from honey and cherries and tangy goodness from lemon and dijon mustard.  
As you can see from the photo I used whole frozen black cherries in this salad...  I just couldn't wait until next Summer to get fresh cherries! However, I must say I think this salad would also be good with other fruit like peaches, or orange sections. Use your imagination, what have you got, what do you like?

I served this at room temperature as a side dish for my Bourbon glazed chicken. It would also be great for lunches, or even as a meatless entree with a green salad, or some soup, on the side.

The original recipe came from Cooking Light in 2013.

NOTE- You can buy farro in the whole foods bulk section, or at Trader Joe's, like I did.
NOTE NOTE- Farro is not gluten free, but is more easily digestible than most wheats.

(I used the 10 minute farro from Trader Joe's but I included the instructions for regular farro)

Serves about 6-8
Ingredients

5 cups water 

1 1/2 cups uncooked farro

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 

3/4 pound sweet cherries, pitted and halved (about 2 cups) 

2/3 cup diced celery 

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted

1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, whole-grain or regular

1 tablespoon honey, or agave

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 

Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add farro and 1/4 teaspoon salt to boiling water; cook 15 minutes or until al dente. Drain; cool at room temperature 15 minutes. Combine farro, cherries, celery, walnuts, and parsley in a large bowl.

Combine lemon juice, mustard, honey, pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Pour dressing over farro mixture; toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Need some other ideas for farro?
Farro Mushroom Risotto