Farro & Mixed Greens Salad with Creamy Basil Parmesan Dressing

Farro & Mixed Greens Salad with Creamy Basil Parmesan Dressing is edible proof that salads don’t have to be boring! Filled with satisfying ingredients like farro and chickpeas, and drizzled with a tangy yogurt-based dressing, this salad has staying power AND flavor!

Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with Stonyfield Organic as a member of their Clean Plate Club. As always, the opinions here are all my own!

I spend most of the summer eating different variations of salads because they’re quick, healthy and refreshing when it’s 500 degrees outside in the blazing Florida sun. But let’s face it — greens and dressing, dressing and greens… it can get pretty boring, pretty fast.

I’m always on the lookout for salad ideas that incorporate bigger, bolder flavors and as many satisfying ingredients as possible so that I’m not tempted to station myself in front of the freezer with a pint of ice cream and a spoon an hour later. {Who does that? Not me!}

Recently, I discovered Taylor Farms Salad Kits hidden among the dozens of bags in the produce aisle and I knew right away that TF and I would become fast friends. {Clearly, it takes very little effort to gain my friendship and become nickname-chummy.} I tossed a few bags of their chopped salad kits into my cart, and sure enough, I became a true fan when I needed a quick and healthy lunch the next day.

Soon after, I discovered that they also sell ready-washed organic salad blends and that really got the wheels turning. If they’ve got the greens covered, then surely I can create something fantastic with a little extra effort and the help of my friends at Stonyfield.

I’ve been making dressings and dips with Stonyfield yogurt for years, so it was a natural fit to combine these organic brand buddies to develop a healthy flavor fest in a bowl in my Farro & Mixed Greens Salad with Creamy Basil Parmesan Dressing.

This Italian-inspired salad combines Taylor Farms Spring Mix with a handful of filling ingredients — chewy farro, fiber-packed chickpeas and sweet grape tomatoes — and makes a nutritious and satisfying bowl of goodness. I used Stonyfield Smooth and Creamy yogurt as the base for an effortless dressing that features the fresh flavors of basil, garlic and savory Parmesan cheese. A little drizzle is all it takes to add amazing flavor to this perfect dish!

So, bring on the salads this summer! Especially if they’re all as mouthwatering as this one!

Farro & Mixed Greens Salad with Creamy Basil Parmesan Dressing

Farro & Mixed Greens Salad with Creamy Basil Parmesan Dressing is edible proof that salads don’t have to be boring! Filled with satisfying ingredients like farro and chickpeas, and drizzled with a tangy yogurt-based dressing, this salad has staying power AND flavor!

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Course Salad

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 2 servings

Author Dianna Muscari

Ingredients  

For Farro

• ½ cup farro
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For Dressing

• 1 cup Stonyfield Organic Smooth & Creamy plain whole milk yogurt {or low fat}
• 1 garlic clove
• 5-6 large basil leaves
• 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan {plus extra for sprinkling}
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• Pinch of salt

For Salad

• 1 {5 oz.} package Taylor Farms Spring Mix
• ½ cup grape tomatoes sliced in half
• 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed & drained

Instructions 

• Make Farro: In a small saucepan, combine farro, water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and cover with lid. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the farro is tender {it will retain a bit of chewiness}. Drain the farro and let cool. Set aside until ready to use.
• Make Dressing: In the bowl of a food processor add yogurt, garlic, basil, parmesan, lemon and salt. Process until smooth. {This makes over a cup of dressing. Refrigerate any that is not used in a sealed container.}
• Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, farro, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Drizzle dressing over top and continue to toss until coated as desired.
• Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.