Farro Salad with Za'atar, Broccoli and Feta Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

This farro salad with za’atar and broccoli is a flavorful salad that is perfect to eat as a vegetarian meal or as a side dish.

What is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a seasoning blend most commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Za’atar is a blend of marjoram, thyme, and oregano, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds which give it a nutty flavor. The sumac in za’atar lends a beautifully tart flavor which is perfect for this salad.

My life has been lacking in za’atar consumption since I found out my little man N is allergic to sesame. However, I occasionally and very carefully sneak this flavorful spice mixture into my life (but not his, of course!).

This farro salad recipe is actually one of my mom’s creations! She’s a genius in the kitchen and I attribute my love of cooking to her alone. I had the pleasure of eating and photographing this salad when my parents came to visit us recently.

The salad is a delectable combination of tangy, chewy, and crunchy, with a bright and fresh flavor. It has tons of protein thanks to the farro, garbanzo beans and feta, which makes it a perfect vegetarian lunch or dinner. You could also serve it as a flavorful side dish.

What Is Farro?

Farro is an ancient wheat grain (so it’s not gluten-free). It contains 6 grams of protein per serving, along with generous amounts of fiber and nutrients. Farro has become my go-to grain for salads because of its size and chewy texture which complements crunchy vegetables. It leaves you very satisfied and full.