Mediterranean Farro Pasta Bowl (Printable)

Nutty farro pasta with zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing topped with feta cheese.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains and Pasta

01 - 8.8 oz farro pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
05 - 5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 3.5 oz baby spinach
07 - 1 small red onion, finely sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

14 - 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farro pasta according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables are tender yet retain their vibrant color.
04 - Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
06 - In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro pasta, sautéed vegetables, and prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
07 - Divide the pasta mixture among serving bowls. Top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The farro pasta holds its texture beautifully and never gets mushy, even when tossed with warm vegetables and dressing.
  • You can use whatever vegetables are in season or hiding in your fridge, and it still turns out vibrant and delicious.
  • It's just as good the next day cold, which makes it perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.
  • The lemon and oregano dressing is bright enough to make the whole bowl feel light, not heavy.
02 -
  • Don't skip salting the pasta water generously, it's your only chance to season the farro itself and makes a noticeable difference.
  • Add the spinach at the very end so it wilts but doesn't turn dark and slimy from overcooking.
  • If you're making this ahead, hold back a little of the dressing and toss it in just before serving to refresh the flavors.
  • Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet and watch them closely, they go from golden to burnt in seconds.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining, you can use it to loosen the dish if it gets too dry after tossing.
  • Cut all your vegetables to roughly the same size so they cook evenly and look consistent in the final bowl.
  • If you can't find farro pasta, use whole cooked farro or even orzo, the texture will be different but still delicious.
  • Taste the dish just before serving and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or a drizzle of olive oil to bring it back to life.
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