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Warm citrus salad served in a white bowl and garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Citrus Salad With Farro and Honey Orange Dressing

This cozy citrus salad combines juicy oranges and grapefruit with hearty farro, caramelized onion, and a warm honey orange dressing for a fresh but filling meal you will love making again and again.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 316kcal
Author: Carolyn Thomas
Cost: Varies

Equipment

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil We love Azure Standard's olive oil.
  • 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Apple scrap vinegar works great for homemade salad dressings.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard We love this homemade mustard recipe.
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
  • ½ teaspoon Salt We use Redmond Real Salt. Use that link to automatically get 15% off your order!
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper

Salad

  • 1 Tablespoon Butter We love this homemade butter recipe.
  • ½ Small Red Onion Sliced thin
  • 1 ½ Cups Farro Dry
  • 1 Large Grapefruit
  • 2 Large Oranges
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary Or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.

Instructions

  • Make the dressing by combining the dressing ingredients in a blender or blending with an immersion blender. This can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until time for use.
  • Caramelize the onion by heating a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melting one tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in the skillet. Turn the heat down to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has browned and caramelized (10 to 15 minutes). 
  • Cook the farro according to the package directions. When the farro is finished, drain off any extra water, pour the farro into a large salad bowl, and set it aside to cool slightly.
  • Peel and segment the grapefruit and oranges, then chop them into small bite-sized pieces.
  • Add the citrus pieces and caramelized onion to the farro. Toss with rosemary.
  • Warm the dressing in a small saucepan, then pour it over the salad to taste. Toss and serve warm.

Notes

Tips for the Best Citrus Salad:
  • Taste as You Go - Citrus can vary a lot in sweetness, so adjust the dressing or add more fruit if needed. 
  • Don’t Overcook the Farro - You want it tender but still chewy, not mushy.
  • Use What You Have - This citrus salad is also very forgiving. If you do not have rosemary, thyme works well. If you want a little extra richness, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a bit of crumbled cheese on top is lovely, though it is completely optional.
  • Make Ahead - Because you can prep the dressing and farro ahead of time, it is also a great option when you want something homemade without a lot of last-minute effort.
What to Serve with This Citrus Salad:
This citrus salad stands beautifully on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other from-scratch recipes to make a complete, balanced meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the bright, warm flavors of this citrus salad:
  • Soup and Bread - Warm citrus salad is the perfect way to make a meal of soup and bread a little “extra”. Make the most of the citrus season with this savory Greek lemon chicken and rice soup, and serve it with a slice of crusty no-knead artisan bread (also great for soaking up any leftover honey-orange dressing!)
  • Main Dish Pairings - The bright citrus in this salad complements a variety of proteins such as our best whole roasted chicken recipe, baked fish, pork roast, or grilled steaks. For summer gatherings, pair it with burgers and grilled veggies for a bright, fresh contrast.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 867IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg
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