Cranberry Apple Farro is a super easy side dish that looks impressive and is packed full of flavor! Loaded with cranberries, apples, and walnuts, it makes a mouth watering dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu or to go along with everyday dinners! Everyone will fall in love with this farro salad recipe!
For most holidays, I find the side dishes seem to be everyone’s favorite (they are definitely mine). You definitely need to include this cranberry apple farro as one of the Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes on your menu. It is packed with flavor and a great change from the usual dishes on the Thanksgiving menu.
What is Farro?
I get asked “what is farro” a lot when people hear about or find this recipe!
Farro is a whole grain like quinoa or barely. It looks like a larger version of barley and has a similar texture, although slightly chewier, once cooked. Farro holds up well after cooking so it is perfect for salads, soups and as part of side dishes. Note: Farro is never gluten free.
Where can you buy Farro?
You should be able to find Farro with the rice and other grains in most larger grocery stores. My store sells in two sizes. Trader Joes also usually sells Farro.
How to Cook Farro
There are a few different ways to cook farro such as:
- Adding water and bringing to a boil. Then, reducing to a simmer until the grain is soft. You may need to drain off excess liquid from the pan.
- Add farro and water or both to slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-4 hours. Drain off any excess liquid.
- Combine boiling water and farro in a pot with a lid. Transfer to oven and bake.
This cranberry apple farro is the perfect side dish for just about any meal and would go great on your Thanksgiving menu or as part of your holiday feast. It comes together so easily and tastes fabulous thanks to the complimenting flavors of the apples, cranberries, and nuts.
Some of the best Thanksgiving recipes are the side dishes that get served. While I love the traditional ones, my guests also enjoy trying new (or new to them) foods and so I always strive to add something a little out of the ordinary to my list of Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes.
If you love this Thanksgiving side dish recipe, be sure to use the photo below to pin it for later on your Pinterest boards.
If you loved this apple salad recipe, check out these other great Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes:
- The Best Green Bean Casserole
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Sumac Roasted Carrots with Walnuts
- Loaded Mashed Parsnips
- Creamed Spinach
What you’ll need for this recipe:
If you make cranberry apple farro or any other recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter.
Cranberry Apple Farro is a super easy side dish that looks impressive and is packed full of flavor! Loaded with cranberries, apples, and walnuts, it makes a mouth watering dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu or to go along with everyday dinners! Everyone will fall in love with this farro salad recipe!
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup farro
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 Honeycrisp apple chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar optional
- 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
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In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, apple juice, Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs de Provence and parsley to a boil. Stir in farro and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Drain any remaining liquid and transfer farro to serving bowl.
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Heat remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil in nonstick skillet. Add onions and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add apples and sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Add onion mixture to bowl with farro. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Toss with apple cider vinegar if desired. Garnish with chopped, fresh rosemary.
What a fantastic holiday recipe!
This is one yummy looking salad!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Such a wonderful combo and everything looks delicious!
Yum this looks like the perfect side!
Such a fantastic idea, thanks
Should this be served warm or room temp. Can I make it ahead of time? Served cold?
I usually serve it warm or at room temperature. You could definitely make it ahead of time and then reheat or bring up to room temperature. I’ve never tried it cold but it might be tasty that way too.
Perfect addition to our holiday menu!
Perfect addition to our holiday menu!
Basically my favorite way to eat farro from here on out! Love it!
This looks so good! What a great fall lunch meal prep!