Hearty Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables & Maple Tahini Dressing: A Festive & Flavorful Side

As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across the landscape and the joyful bustle of the holiday season draws near, our kitchens often become hubs of culinary activity. During these busy times, I find myself gravitating towards reliable recipes that promise not only exceptional flavor but also ease of preparation. This colorful Fall Farro Salad perfectly embodies that philosophy, making it an ideal choice for everything from a comforting weeknight meal to an elegant centerpiece for your festive entertaining.

This grain salad is a true celebration of seasonal bounty, combining the satisfying chewiness of wholesome farro with the tender, savory notes of perfectly roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts and tri-color carrots. A luscious, creamy maple tahini dressing ties all the components together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a dish that truly captures the essence of fall and winter gatherings, offering warmth and vibrancy when you need it most.

Each spoonful of this Fall Farro Salad offers a delightful complexity, an intricate dance of tastes and sensations. You’ll discover the bright, fresh notes of finely chopped parsley, the earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts, the unexpected burst of sweetness from plump dried cranberries, and the salty, briny tang of crumbled feta cheese. This intricate blend ensures that every bite is an experience, leaving you reaching for just one more. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable, much-requested addition to any holiday spread or family dinner.

While this particular farro salad shines brightest during the cozy fall and winter months, making it perfect for holiday tables, its inherent versatility means it can be easily adapted and enjoyed throughout the entire year. By simply swapping out a few seasonal ingredients, you can transform this recipe into a refreshing spring, vibrant summer, or hearty year-round staple, proving its enduring appeal and adaptability beyond just the festive season.

Why This Fall Farro Salad Will Be Your New Favorite Recipe:

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a vibrant, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying grain salad designed to impress both your palate and your guests. Here’s why this Fall Farro Salad is a must-make for your culinary repertoire, especially as the colder months set in:

• Festive Appeal – Brimming with the quintessential flavors, textures, and rich colors of the season, this farro salad makes an exquisite and eye-catching addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday table. The sweet dried cranberries, warming roasted root vegetables, and toasted hazelnuts create a truly celebratory dish that feels special and inviting. It’s also perfectly suited for potlucks and gatherings, as it can be prepped well in advance and served deliciously warm, at room temperature, or even lightly chilled, offering incredible flexibility for entertaining. Its beautiful presentation and rich, comforting flavors will undoubtedly make it a standout among other holiday dishes.
• Wholesome & Nourishing – Amidst the abundance of rich and indulgent foods that often accompany the holiday season, this grain salad provides a refreshing and welcome counterpoint. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with fiber-rich whole-grain farro and nutrient-dense roasted vegetables, offering a wholesome respite without sacrificing a single bit of flavor. Much like our popular fall harvest salad, this recipe delivers an incredible array of textures, but with the added heartiness of farro and the comforting warmth of roasted autumn produce, making it a substantial and satisfying meal on its own or as a robust, healthful side.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The flavor profile of this grain salad is nothing short of irresistible and thoughtfully constructed. It strikes a harmonious balance between sweet (maple, cranberries, carrots) and savory (tahini, roasted vegetables), salty (feta) and tangy (lemon juice, feta), all enveloped in a creamy dressing that perfectly complements the robust ingredients. The combination of earthy roasted vegetables, nutty farro, bright sweet cranberries, and tangy feta creates a complex yet approachable dish that you will undoubtedly crave throughout the colder months, making it a cherished staple in your autumn and winter meal planning.
• Remarkably Versatile – One of the greatest attributes of this recipe is its high adaptability, making it incredibly easy to customize. The choice of grain, the selection of vegetables, and the variety of toppings can all be effortlessly swapped based on what you have available, what’s in season, or what your palate desires. While we provide a fantastic base recipe, we strongly encourage you to take creative liberties and make it truly your own! Whether you’re adjusting for specific dietary preferences (e.g., making it vegan or gluten-free) or simply experimenting with different seasonal produce, this salad offers endless possibilities for delicious variations. Explore our comprehensive swap and substitution ideas further down in the post for more inspiration and creative twists.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vibrant Fall Farro Salad:

Crafting this incredible farro salad begins with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients that contribute to its layered flavors and appealing textures. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish so special and truly representative of the autumn season. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial:

• FARRO:  This ancient whole grain forms the wholesome backbone of our salad, highly prized for its distinctive nutty flavor and delightfully chewy texture. These unique characteristics make it exceptionally well-suited for hearty grain salads, as it holds up beautifully to creamy dressings and substantial roasted vegetables without becoming soggy or bland. For consistent and excellent results, I highly recommend using a reputable brand like Bob’s Red Mill brand. When cooking farro, the goal is tender grains that still retain a satisfying bite – never mushy or overcooked.
• BRUSSELS SPROUTS: A true superstar of the fall and winter season, Brussels sprouts are a quintessential vegetable for any festive spread. Roasting them transforms their flavor, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating wonderfully caramelized, slightly crispy edges that add incredible depth to the salad. If you’re a fan of roasted Brussels sprouts in this dish, you’ll definitely want to try our crowd-favorite Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash side dish next for another delightful and equally impressive vegetable combination.
• TRI-COLORED CARROTS: These vibrant rainbow carrots add an instant touch of festive elegance and bright harvest colors to your salad, making it visually stunning and appealing. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they offer a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts. If tri-colored carrots are not readily available in your local market, standard orange carrots will work perfectly; the flavor difference is minimal, but the visual impact will be slightly less dramatic. Opt for smaller, tender carrots if possible for the best texture and sweetness.
• MAPLE TAHINI DRESSING: This creamy, flavorful dressing is the glue that binds all the diverse components of our salad together, creating a cohesive and irresistible taste. Tahini paste, made from finely ground, pressed sesame seeds, provides a rich, savory, and slightly earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness that is beautifully balanced by the natural, warm sweetness of pure maple syrup. This unique combination creates a dressing that perfectly complements the hearty roasted vegetables and nutty farro. For a smooth, rich, and high-quality tahini paste, I highly recommend the Soom brand, known for its superior consistency and taste.
• PARSLEY: Fresh flat-leaf parsley is crucial for adding a burst of vibrant freshness and a much-needed pop of bright green color to the finished salad. It provides a clean, herbaceous contrast to the richer and sweeter flavors, elevating the overall profile. If you’re looking for an alternative with a slightly peppery bite, tender baby arugula would also be a lovely and complementary addition.
• DRIED CRANBERRIES: These jewel-toned berries introduce a delightful tangy sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture to the salad, instantly making the dish feel truly festive and seasonal. They’re a hallmark of fall and winter cuisine. Feel free to get creative and swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits like dried cherries (for a similar tartness), chopped dried apricots, figs, or even dates (for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness). Soaking them briefly in hot water before adding them can plump them up, enhancing their succulent texture.
• HAZELNUTS: Toasted hazelnuts contribute a warm, deeply nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that significantly elevates the salad’s texture profile. Their rich, slightly sweet taste pairs exceptionally well with the earthy farro and roasted vegetables. Be sure to toast them lightly in the oven or on the stovetop to bring out their full aroma and flavor before chopping and adding them.
• FETA: Crumbled feta cheese provides a delicious salty, briny tang that brilliantly cuts through the richness of the dressing and the sweetness of the cranberries and maple syrup. Its creamy yet crumbly texture adds another layer of intriguing interest to the salad. If you prefer a different cheese, crumbled goat cheese (for a milder creaminess) or even a mild crumbled blue cheese like gorgonzola (for a slightly bolder, piquant flavor) would also be excellent substitutes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Delicious Fall Farro Salad

Creating this flavorful and festive farro salad is simpler than you might think, making it a perfect addition to your holiday menu or weeknight rotation. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly balanced dish that will delight your taste buds. For precise measurements and detailed ingredient quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.

1. Prepare and Roast the Vegetables: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), ensuring an oven rack is positioned in the center for optimal cooking. On a spacious half sheet pan, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with the bias-cut tri-colored carrots. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, season with a good pinch of kosher salt, and a few liberal grinds of fresh black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Arrange them in a single, even layer on the sheet pan, paying special attention to place the Brussels sprout halves and carrot slices cut-side down. This technique is crucial for encouraging beautiful caramelization and a more uniform, tender-crisp texture. Roast for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to flip the vegetables halfway through the cooking time, or until they are beautifully caramelized, fork-tender, and slightly crispy at the edges.

2. Cook the Farro to Perfection: While your delightful vegetables are roasting, turn your attention to the farro. Bring a large saucepan of well-salted water to a vigorous, rolling boil. Add the rinsed and thoroughly drained uncooked farro to the boiling water, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the farro according to its package instructions, which typically takes between 20-30 minutes, until the grains are tender yet still possess their characteristic satisfying chew. It’s important not to overcook it, as this can result in a mushy texture. Once cooked to perfection, drain the farro very well and spread it out onto a rimmed sheet pan or a large plate to cool slightly. This critical cooling step stops the cooking process and prevents the grains from clumping together. Chef’s Tip: For an extra layer of festive aroma and subtle flavor, try replacing one cup of the cooking water with apple cider – it imparts a delightful, unique sweetness to the grains!

3. Whip Up the Creamy Maple Tahini Dressing: In a liquid measuring cup or a medium mixing bowl, combine the tahini paste, extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (roughly the juice of one juicy lemon), pure maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing achieves a smooth, beautifully creamy emulsion. Tahini dressings can sometimes be quite thick; if your dressing is too viscous to drizzle easily, gradually whisk in 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time until you achieve a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or another squeeze of lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor balance – a crucial step for a perfect dressing. Set aside until ready to assemble.

4. Assemble and Finish the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked farro with the roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots. Pour a generous amount of the prepared maple tahini dressing over the mixture (you might want to reserve a small portion for drizzling when serving for an extra touch). Toss gently but thoroughly until all the grains and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful dressing. Next, fold in the majority of the chopped fresh parsley, the crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and the plump dried cranberries, reserving a small amount of each for a beautiful garnish. Toss once more to ensure these vibrant additions are well distributed throughout the salad. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a final squeeze of lemon juice if a brighter note is desired.

Effortless Entertaining: Make-Ahead Tips for Your Fall Farro Salad

Planning for a busy holiday feast, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, can often feel overwhelming. This Fall Farro Salad is a fantastic make-ahead option that allows you to reduce stress and enjoy more precious time with your loved ones. By preparing components in advance, you can assemble this impressive dish quickly and easily on the day of your event. Here’s how you can prepare various elements ahead of time:

• Cooked Farro: The farro, the hearty foundation of this salad, can be cooked up to 2 to 3 days in advance. After cooking, it’s crucial to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it securely in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the salad, let the farro come to room temperature or gently warm it slightly before tossing with the freshly roasted or re-warmed vegetables. This ensures the best texture and prevents the dressing from seizing or becoming clumpy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Your flavorful Brussels sprouts and vibrant carrots can also be roasted several hours ahead of time or even the day before serving, which is a huge time-saver. Once roasted and tender, let them cool down completely to room temperature, then transfer them to a covered container and refrigerate. For serving, you can either gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring out their warmth and crispness, or simply allow them to come to room temperature before combining them with the other salad ingredients.
• Maple Tahini Dressing: This delicious and creamy dressing is a dream for efficient meal prep! You can easily prepare it 4 to 5 days in advance. Store it in a covered, airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the dressing will naturally thicken considerably once chilled. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then whisk in a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it reaches your desired creamy, pourable consistency. Don’t forget to taste and re-season with more salt and pepper as needed after thinning, as flavors can mellow when chilled.
• Prepared Toppings: Save valuable last-minute time on the day of your event by prepping all your delightful toppings 1 to 2 days ahead. This includes chopping the fresh parsley, measuring out the dried cranberries (and soaking them if desired to plump them up), toasting and chopping the hazelnuts, and crumbling the feta cheese. Store each component in separate small, airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows for quick and effortless final assembly and garnishing just before it’s time to serve your beautiful salad.