Warm Winter Farro Salad with Cinnamon & Cranberries
Today we are making a Warm Winter Farro Salad with Cinnamon & Cranberries! This salad is the ultimate cozy dish for chilly days. Packed with nutty farro, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of warm cinnamon, it brings together a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. Tossed with a light citrus dressing and crunchy toasted nuts, this dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but also works as a flavorful side to your favorite winter entrées.
Farro is an ancient grain that’s perfect for winter meals—it’s chewy, nourishing, and absorbs flavors beautifully. In this salad, it soaks up the warm spices and citrus, making every bite a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy. The addition of dried cranberries adds a festive touch, while nuts like pecans or walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or meal prepping for the week, this farro salad will keep you full and energized.
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it warm right after making it or serve it at room temperature for a make-ahead meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap out the nuts, use fresh fruit instead of dried, or add roasted veggies for extra depth. It’s a salad that celebrates winter flavors in the most comforting way possible!
Why You’ll Love This Warm Winter Farro Salad
Cozy & Nourishing: This salad is packed with wholesome ingredients like farro, nuts, and cranberries, making it both filling and nutrient-dense. The warmth of cinnamon gives it a cozy winter feel, perfect for colder months.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Farro holds up beautifully in the fridge, so this salad is great for making ahead. Whether you’re packing lunches or preparing a stress-free holiday side, it stays fresh and delicious for days.
Substitutions
Dried Cranberries: If using store-bought dried cranberries, opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties to avoid excess sugar. If you don’t have cranberries, try chopped dried figs, apricots, or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.
Farro: Swap farro for quinoa, brown rice or another alternative if you need a gluten-free or different grain option. Quinoa is light and fluffy with a slightly nutty taste, brown rice will be chewy and hearty, similar in texture to farro, buckwheat groats are naturally gluten-free with an earthy flavor, millet is mild, slightly sweet and great for absorbing flavor.
Warm Winter Farro Salad Recipe Notes
- To enhance the nutty flavor of farro, toast it in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side of roasted veggies and some soup for a whole meal!
More Recipes You’ll Love
15-Minute Crispy Marinara Tofu
If you make this Winter Farro Salad with Cinnamon & Cranberries, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Warm Winter Farro Salad with Cinnamon & Cranberries
Equipment
- Stovetop Pot
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large Salad Bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup dry farro rinsed
- 2½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pink salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp fresh orange zest
Instructions
- In a stovetop pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the farro, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until farro is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add in the walnuts. Stir them around for a few minutes, until toasted. You can tell they're ready by biting into one and tasting that toasted flavor (be careful – it'll be really hot).
- Stir in cinnamon, salt, black pepper, cranberries and nuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour it over the farro and toss well to combine.
- Serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
-
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
