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Farro with blistered tomatoes is a flavorful side dish that is perfect for the summer or any time of the year. Blistered tomatoes add so much flavor that pairs perfectly with nutty farro.

a picture of farro with blistered tomatoes in a bowl with a spoon

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This is one of my favorite summer side dish recipes. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, basil and cheese pairs perfectly with chewy farro. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy to make too, serve it with grilled chicken for a healthy delicious meal.

Why you will love farro and blistered tomatoes

Healthy! Farro is high in fiber and essential minerals, and it even has some plant-based protein!
Easy! This recipe is quick to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
Versatile! You can easily change this recipe up with more vegetables, or add meat for a complete meal.
Perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge serve it the next day with fresh spinach or arugula.

a photo of the ingredients needed to make farro with blistered tomatoes

Here is what you will need

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

Ingredients

Farro
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Fresh basil
Olive oil
Feta cheese
Garlic

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How to make blistered tomatoes with farro

Prepare: Rinse the tomatoes and pat them dry, chop the basil. Cook the farro according to the package instructions. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

a picture of garlic and cherry tomatoes cooking in a cast iron skillet

STEP 1: Once the skillet is hot, add the tomatoes, cook for a few minutes, and add garlic. Continue to cook tossing until the tomatoes blister and slightly char in spots.

a picture of farro with tomatoes and basil in a bowl

STEP 2: Place the cooked farro, tomatoes, and basil into a large mixing bowl. Allow the ingredients to cool slightly.

STEP 3: Add the feta cheese and combine all of the ingredients

a picture of farro and with blistered tomatoes mixed together in a mixing bowl

STEP 4: Stir to combine all of the ingredients. transfer it to a serving bowl, and serve warm, room temperature or chilled.

Substitutions and variations

Farro

Farro is an ancient grain that is nutty in flavor. It’s packed with fiber and nutrients and the perfect base for any meal. You can buy farro at most grocery stores. If you can’t find farro, you can always use brown rice, or barley instead.

Cherry tomatoes

For the best flavor, use fresh ripe tomatoes. The sweetness and juiciness of fresh tomatoes will make this dish bursting with flavor. Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes, or halved plum tomatoes.

Cheese

I love the tangy bite that feta cheese adds to this dish. You can also use goat cheese, and if you prefer milder cheese, you can replace the feta cheese with chunks of fresh mozzarella or mozzarella balls.

Herbs and spices

Basil adds a ton of flavor to this dish, but you can add some oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice it up a little bit. You can also try adding some pesto sauce or a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten this dish up.

If fresh herbs aren’t available, they can be replaced with 1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs. Keep in mind, the flavor may not be as fresh with dried herbs.

Vegetables

Add more flavor and nutrition and stir in a handful of baby arugula or spinach to the warm farro so that it wilts into the farro. You can also add roasted broccoli or sauteed cauliflower.

Other add-ins

Create a little more texture by adding toasted nuts or seeds such as pine nuts, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Add flavor with sliced kalamata olives, artichokes, capers or sun-dried tomatoes.

an overhead shot of farro with blistered tomatoes in a bowl with a spoon

What to serve with blistered tomatoes and farro

This dish is so versatile and works well in so many ways. Garnish this dish with a little sea salt, lemon zest and serve it with grilled steak, pork, or chicken and a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.

You can also add white beans and chickpeas to make it a hearty meal that is vegetarian alongside a salad.

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How to store leftovers

Storing leftovers properly can help you to enjoy this dish later without losing flavor and texture. Here are instructions for both refrigerating and freezing leftover farro with blistered tomatoes.

How to Refrigerate leftovers

Once the farro with blistered tomatoes has reached room temperature, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How to freeze leftovers

Place room temperature farro with blistered tomatoes in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag for up to four months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the m microwave.

Leftover ideas

Turning your leftovers into tasty new dishes is a great way to prevent boredom in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for using your leftover farro and blistered tomatoes:

Toss it in an arugula, field greens or spinach salad.
Add black beans or white beans and stuff it into bell peppers
Make a breakfast bowl, top leftover farro with tomatoes with a fried egg, and sliced avocado.
Add it to soup, use a broth base, add some veggies, cook until the vegetables are tender. Add leftover farro and tomatoes and serve.

a picture of a bowl of farro and tomatoes with feta cheese

Tips

Make sure the oil in the pan is hot before adding the tomatoes which will ensure a slightly charred blistering on the tomatoes.
Rinse the farro before cooking to remove any dust or debris from processing.
Simmer the farro when cooking rather than boil it which can break down the grains too much.