Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad

Farro Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad is an easy salad recipe that is perfect for serving as a hearty side dish. It’s a must for your holiday table! 

If you’re looking for a hearty side dish to serve this fall or at your holiday celebrations, this Farro Salad with Goat Cheese and Cranberries is everything. It has nutty farro, tart cranberries and creamy goat cheese. Then it is all tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

All of these ingredients make this a hearty, healthy, flavorful salad that is a must have addition to your table. 

Let’s talk about what ingredients you’ll need and how to get it on your table!

What ingredients you’ll need:

• FARRO: A grain with nutty flavor. You can usually find it in the aisle with other grains. I used Bob’s Red Mill Farro.
• BALSAMIC VINEGAR: The sweet flavor of balsamic is a must for this recipe. Don’t substitute another vinegar. 
• DIJON MUSTARD: A little spicier and tangier than yellow mustard. In a pinch you can substitute yellow mustard or even stone ground. 
• GARLIC POWDER: Or granulated garlic. If you use garlic salt, keep in mind that goat cheese is salty and you don’t want to over salt the dish. 
• ROSEMARY: I used dried but you can use fresh. Instead of 1/2 teaspoon you’ll use 2 teaspoons of fresh. 
• OLIVE OIL 
• DRIED CRANBERRIES: These work so well with the balsamic and the goat cheese. They add a burst of sweet flavor. 
• PARSLEY: Adds color and a bit of freshness. 
• GOAT CHEESE CRUMBLES: I adore goat cheese. It’s tangy and creamy and works very well in salads. It’s easier to use the crumbles in this salad. If you have a log of goat cheese make sure that it’s really cold so that it is easier to crumble. 

How do you make Farro Salad?

Just like any salad, this Farro Salad is pretty easy to make. You will need to cook the farro. Simply follow the directions on the package. Follow along with these Step by Step Photos and Instructions. 

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• STEP #1: Cook farro and allow to cool. It is important to allow it to cool so that it’s not too hot when you add the goat cheese. 
• STEP #2: Whisk together the dressing. I like to do this when the farro is cooking so it has a chance for the flavors to meld before I pour it over the salad. 
• STEP #3: Combine cooled farro, cranberries, parsley and goat cheese in a bowl. 
• STEP #4: Just before serving toss the salad with the dressing. 

Storage and leftovers:

This salad makes great leftovers! I love serving it for lunch the next day. I do try to let it come to room temperature again before serving. Usually stays fresh for 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator.

Recipe FAQ:

Not only is this salad a great addition to your holiday table, but it is also great the next day for lunches!

Check out some of my other favorite salad recipes:

This Chickpea Salad is another hearty dish that makes a great lunch or side dish!

Cold Green Bean Salad is one of my favorite things to do with green beans and it is SO pretty on the table!

This Spinach Cranberry Salad is a must make for your holiday season!

I hope you love this Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad recipe as much as we do! See how to easy it is to make this Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad Below.

Note: This post was originally posted in 2012. It was updated in 2017 and again in 2022 with new photos, step by step photos, a video and nutrition information.