Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, hearty salad that packs a punch with every bite, my Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This isn’t your everyday salad—it’s a delightful blend of chewy farro, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy veggies, and a spicy peanut dressing that ties it all together with a creamy, zesty finish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad strikes the perfect balance between textures and flavors: chewy farro, sweet roasted potato bites, crunchy cabbage and carrots, fresh herbs, and hearty beans. Each ingredient adds its own character while working in harmony with the spicy peanut dressing—I’ll share some tips to get your shopping and prep just right.

• Pearled Farro: Quick-cooking and chewy, this ancient grain holds up wonderfully in salads and helps keep you full for hours.
• Sweet Potato: Roasting caramelizes its natural sweetness, contrasting nicely with the peanut sauce’s heat.
• Red Cabbage & Carrots: They provide crunch and vibrant color, making this salad as pretty as it is tasty.
• Green Onions & Cilantro: These fresh herbs brighten the whole dish with herbal sharpness.
• Edamame & Adzuki Beans: A double boost of plant protein and fiber that makes this salad truly nourishing.
• Roasted Cashews: Adds buttery crunch and richness to complement the creamy dressing.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the dressing, delivering the iconic nutty base.
• Lime Juice, Soy Sauce & Maple Syrup: These balance tang, salt, and sweetness for a multi-dimensional dressing you won’t stop tasting.
• Sriracha & Sesame Oil: Give the sauce subtle heat and a toasty finish; adjust the spice to your liking.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. It’s pretty forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.

• Variation: Sometimes, I swap the adzuki beans for chickpeas or black beans for a different texture and flavor dimension—it’s just as delicious! When I want it vegan and nut-free, I omit cashews and use sunflower seed butter in the dressing instead.
• Spice Level: I usually start with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, but if you love heat like I do, add a bit more or toss in a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Seasonal Twists: In cooler months, roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts work beautifully in place of sweet potato.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Farro Till Perfectly Tender-Chewy

Bring about 3 cups of salted water to a boil, then add your pearled farro. Simmer it gently for 15 minutes—you’re aiming for tender but still with a nice chew that holds up in the salad. Drain well, and rinse if you want to speed up cooling. I like to spread it out on a sheet pan to cool faster and avoid clumps later.

Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Bring Out Their Sweetness

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Peel and dice your sweet potato into half-inch pieces. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roasting for about 25 minutes caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Spicy Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk creamy peanut butter, fresh lime juice, low sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, Sriracha, and a pinch of ground ginger until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of warm water until it reaches a pourable, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking. This dressing is the magic that pulls the whole salad together.

Step 4: Combine Everything & Toss It Up

In a large bowl, mix cooled farro, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, chopped cilantro, shelled edamame, rinsed adzuki beans, and roasted cashews. Pour over the spicy peanut dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient. This part always feels like a party in my bowl!

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour or two. Chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully and the dressing gets even more luscious. Serve cold or at room temperature, and get ready for compliments.

How to Serve Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a few extra chopped roasted cashews and fresh cilantro leaves on top to add brightness and extra crunch right before serving. Sometimes I throw on a few thinly sliced chilies if I want to amp up the heat visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or tofu for a light protein boost. Or you can serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice and sautéed greens for a full, satisfying vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I like scooping the salad into individual lettuce cups or miniature bowls and garnishing with a lime wedge. It looks pretty and makes serving easier. Another fun idea is to layer it in a glass jar for a vibrant, grab-and-go lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or so, but I recommend adding any delicate garnishes fresh each time you serve.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh veggies and dressing can become watery or change texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm, reheat just the roasted sweet potatoes separately and toss them with the cold salad ingredients just before eating. That way, the veggies stay crisp and the farro maintains its texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spicy Peanut Farro Salad Recipe quickly became one of my favorite crowd-pleasers because it hits all the right notes: nourishing, flavorful, and packed with great textures. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special and potlucks unforgettable. I bet once you try it, you’ll start imagining all the ways to make it yours, just like I did. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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