This Green Apple Farro Salad is the kind of salad that feels like more than just a side. With crisp Granny Smith apple, chewy farro, creamy gorgonzola dolce, dried cranberries, and marcona almonds, every bite has that mix of tart, salty, creamy, and buttery that makes a salad actually exciting to eat.
I love a good salad, especially when it has that mix of flavors and textures that makes each bite interesting. This is one of those combinations where everything just works. You get the tartness from the green apple, the creamy richness from the gorgonzola dolce, and that buttery crunch from the marcona almonds, all balanced out with the chewiness of the farro.
What I love about this one is that you don’t have to wait for a certain season to make it. Green apples are always easy to find, and most of the ingredients are things you can keep on hand. The farro really makes it feel like a full meal instead of just a side, especially if you pair it with a piece of bread or something simple alongside it.
If you’ve made some of my other farro salads, you already know I love using it to add substance and make a salad feel more complete. Try out our other Apple Farro Salad with Crispy Apple Chips instead of fresh apples. Or if you’re leaning into summer, this Hot Honey Peach Fennel and Farro Salad is where it’s at.
I’ll always lean toward a homemade dressing if I have the time. This green apple vinaigrette is one of those little details that makes the whole salad feel more intentional. But if you’re in a busy week or doing meal prep, don’t overthink it. A simple oil and vinegar or your favorite bottled dressing will still bring everything together in a really good way.
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Ingredients You'll Need
This green apple farro salad comes together with a handful of ingredients that each bring something different to the bowl. It’s all about balance here, nothing overpowering, just everything working together.
- Granny Smith Green Apples, or similar
- Gorgonzola Dolce
- Romaine Lettuce
- Mixed Greens
- Shallot
- Dried Cranberries
- Marcona Almonds
A quick look at some of the star ingredients. Full ingredient list is included in the recipe card below.
How to Make This Green Apple Farro Salad
This salad can be quick if you have everything prepped ahead. Cooking the farro and letting it cool is the only step that really takes time, but once that’s done, everything else comes together easily.
Letting the farro cool before assembling does more than just keep the greens from wilting. As it cools, it forms something called resistant starch, which is often linked to better digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer. I’m not a nutritionist, but it’s a nice added benefit, especially if you’re making this for meal prep or planning to enjoy it over a few days.
A couple small things make a difference here. Thinly slicing the apples and shallots helps everything blend together so you don’t get big overpowering bites. Letting the farro cool before assembling keeps the greens fresh and not wilted. If you’re making the dressing, having that ready ahead of time makes assembly feel effortless.
When to Serve This Green Apple Farro Salad
This is one of those salads that fits into real life in a lot of different ways. It works for meal prep when you want something that actually keeps you full, but it also feels special enough to put out when people come over.
I make this during the week as a quick lunch or light dinner, especially when I want something fresh but still satisfying. It also works really well alongside a soup or with a piece of bread if you want to round it out. Could totally see this paired with our Lemon Chickpea Orzo soup if you prefer a light and bright combo. Or for a more hearty brothy soup pairing, try it with our Vegetarian Lentil Soup.
For gatherings or holidays, this is a great way to switch things up from a typical green salad. It brings more texture and flavor to the table and feels like it holds its own instead of just sitting off to the side.
How to Serve This for Hosting or Everyday Meals
This salad is flexible depending on how you’re using it. For everyday meals or meal prep, you can portion it out into individual bowls and keep everything simple.
If you’re serving it for hosting, it works really well on a large platter so everything has space and looks a little more relaxed. You can lightly toss it or layer it so the ingredients show. I like to keep the apples fresh and add them right before serving so everything stays crisp.
Serving Ideas and Simple Variations
This is the kind of salad that’s easy to build around depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand.
You can keep it simple as is, or pair it with something warm like a soup or a piece of bread to round it out into a full meal. It also works well alongside a main dish if you’re putting together a more complete dinner.
Storage
This salad is best fresh, but you can prep most of the components ahead of time to make things easier during the week.
Store the cooked farro, chopped ingredients, and dressing separately in the fridge. Slice the apples fresh when you’re ready to serve, or toss them in a little lemon water to keep them from browning. Once assembled, it’s best enjoyed the same day so the textures stay balanced.
FAQ
Yes. You can prep the farro, dressing, and most of the ingredients ahead of time. For best results, slice the apples fresh or just before serving.
Toss sliced apples in a quick mixture of water and lemon juice. About 1 cup of water with a squeeze of lemon works well, then drain before adding to the salad.
If gorgonzola isn’t your thing, goat cheese or feta both work well. Gorgonzola dolce is more mild and creamy than traditional blue cheese, so it’s worth trying if you haven’t had it before.
For this salad, it’s best to let the farro cool before assembling so it doesn’t affect the texture of the other ingredients.
It pairs well with soups, simple proteins, or a piece of crusty bread. It can also stand on its own as a light meal.
Yes. You can prep everything ahead and assemble as needed. Keeping the apples separate until serving helps keep it fresh.
Yes, this Green Apple Farro Salad is fully vegetarian. Simply skip the gorgonzola or swap in your favorite vegan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
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📖 Recipe
Green Apple Farro Salad with Gorgonzola and Apple Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked farro about 1 cup dry
- 4-5 cups romaine + greens (chopped romaine and handfuls of spinach/mixed greens)
- 3 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced (skin on, half-moons) one reserved for dressing, see notes
- ½ cup Marcona Almonds
- ½ cup gorgonzola dolce crumbled, mild
- ¼ cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 2-3 tablespoon dried cranberries, optional
Realest Real Green Apple Vinaigrette 🍏
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil mild
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon fresh green apple juice optional, see notes
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Green Apple Farro Salad
- Cook the farro. Prepare farro according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and cool completely.
- Add chopped romaine to a large serving bowl or platter.
- Scatter fresh baby spinach, mixed greens, and cooled farro over the lettuce.
- Arrange green apple slices evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle with gorgonzola dolce.
- Top with marcona almonds for crunch.
- Drizzle with the Green Apple Vinaigrette just before serving, tossing lightly to coat. A simple store-bought vinaigrette can be used if preferred.
Realest Real Green Apple Vinaigrette 🍏
- Whisk champagne vinegar, Dijon, honey, fresh green apple juice (if using), salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and glossy.
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