Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta

This easy fall farro salad combines crisp apples, peppery arugula, creamy feta, and toasted walnuts in a honey-Dijon dressing. A hearty yet refreshing dish that’s perfect for cozy autumn meals. 

Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta

The leaves are just starting to fall and the nights have cooled down.  This is the time when I find myself craving salads that feel just a little heartier—something fresh yet grounding, nourishing but not heavy. That’s exactly where this Crisp Apple & Arugula Farro Salad with Toasted Walnuts & Feta shines.

Every forkful is a celebration of fall: sweet-tart apples with that irresistible crunch, nutty farro with its warm, earthy bite, and peppery arugula to keep things bright. Creamy crumbles of feta melt into the honey-Dijon dressing, while toasted walnuts add the kind of cozy, satisfying crunch that makes this salad more than just a side—it’s a seasonal star.

Best of all, this recipe is wonderfully simple. Just cook the farro, whisk up the dressing, and toss everything together. It’s the kind of easy fall salad you’ll turn to again and again—whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing holiday side, or a way to bring the best flavors of the season right to your table.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything that brings this fall salad to life:

• Farro – A nutty, chewy whole grain that gives the salad its hearty base.

• Vegetable broth – Infuses the farro with savory depth as it cooks.

• Bay leaf – A subtle aromatic that adds warmth to the grain’s flavor.

• Extra virgin olive oil – Smooth and fruity, the foundation for the dressing.

• Apple cider vinegar – Bright, tangy, and perfectly autumnal.

• Dijon mustard – Adds sharpness and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.

• Honey – A touch of natural sweetness that balances the tart flavors.

• Kosher salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning to bring everything together.

• Apple – Crisp, tart, and refreshing—an instant fall favorite.

• Arugula – Peppery greens that keep the salad lively and fresh.

• Feta cheese – Creamy, tangy crumbles that melt into the dressing.

• Toasted walnuts – Nutty crunch that adds coziness and texture.

• Fresh basil – Herbaceous brightness to lift the flavors.

• Fresh parsley – Earthy and fresh, rounding out the herb mix.

Substitutions and Variations

This salad is flexible—swap or add as you like!

• Grain swap: Use quinoa, brown rice, or barley in place of farro.

• Cheese options: Goat cheese or shaved parmesan work beautifully.

• Nut choices: Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a different crunch.

• Apple variety: Try Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for extra tartness.

• Leafy greens: Spinach or mixed greens can stand in for arugula.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

A few quick tricks to make this salad shine:

• Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to boost flavor.
• Let the farro cool slightly before tossing—this keeps greens crisp, or make the farro earlier in the day.  Great for using leftover cooked farro!

• Make the dressing in advance; it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• For extra flavor, cook farro in broth with a garlic clove or onion.

• Serving temperature; warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing side dish.

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