Herb Roasted Veggie Farro

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Farro
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup farro, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red onion, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Herb Roasted Veggie Farro on busy weeknights when I crave something healthy yet satisfying. This dish is a vibrant mix of colorful roasted vegetables paired beautifully with nutty farro, creating a wholesome meal that both my family and I enjoy. The fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish, while the farro adds a delightful chewiness. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover vegetables, and I find that it tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep!

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-18T02:43:09.916Z

When I first tried making Herb Roasted Veggie Farro, I was amazed at how easily the flavors melded together. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth to the dish. I remember using a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions that I had in my fridge, and the outcome was just incredible!

One detail that I’ve found really enhances the dish is the combination of fresh parsley and thyme. It’s incredible how a handful of chopped herbs can elevate the flavors of each bite. I also love to squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top before serving for an extra zing that brightens everything up!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A colorful medley of vegetables makes each bite exciting.
Nutty farro provides a satisfying chew that complements the veggies.
Quick to prepare and perfect as a versatile side or main dish.

      

The Role of Farro

Farro is a nutrient-dense whole grain that adds a lovely chewiness to this dish while also being a fantastic source of fiber and protein. When cooked properly, farro should have a slightly nutty flavor and a tender yet firm texture. Rinsing it before cooking helps remove any residual dust and improves the overall taste. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute farro with quinoa or brown rice, but keep in mind the cooking times may vary significantly. Quinoa cooks faster, while brown rice takes a bit longer.

The cooking liquid plays a critical role in imparting flavor to the farro. Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the overall depth of the dish. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary to the cooking liquid. Just remember to remove them before serving! The consistency of the cooked farro should be moist but not soupy, so drain any excess liquid after cooking.

Perfectly Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables at high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a complex flavor profile. The combination of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion creates a beautiful array of colors and tastes. When preparing the vegetables, ensure they are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the roasting time; they should be tender with slightly browned edges, indicating a delicious caramelization that enhances their sweetness.

For a twist on this dish, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables that you might have on hand. Root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can add sweetness, while leafy greens like kale can be tossed in during the last few minutes of roasting for added texture. Just remember, if you're adding denser vegetables, they may need an extra few minutes of roasting time to achieve that perfect softness.

Serving Ideas and Storage

This Herb Roasted Veggie Farro can be enjoyed in numerous ways—served as a standalone dish, as a side to grilled chicken or fish, or even in a salad. For a bit of creaminess, consider crumbling some feta cheese on top before serving. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring an exciting heat to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

If you're making this ahead of time, store the farro and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers. The cooked farro will last for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge, while the veggies are best consumed within 3 days to maintain their texture. Reheat the farro and veggies separately to preserve the individual textures, and feel free to add a splash of broth or water to the farro while heating to revive its moisture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make this nutritious dish:

Ingredients for Herb Roasted Veggie Farro

1 cup farro, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon

Make sure to have these pantry staples ready to enhance flavors!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herb Roasted Veggie Farro:

Cook the Farro

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Combine and Serve

In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro and roasted vegetables. Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.

Enjoy your hearty and healthy herb roasted veggie farro!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting the vegetables. It adds a nice warmth to the dish without overpowering the natural flavors.

Tips for Meal Prep

This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as it can be made in larger batches and stored for later use. Prepare and roast a double quantity of vegetables and store them in individual portions. You can use them throughout the week in wraps, salads, or as a grain bowl base. To keep everything fresh, consider portioning out the farro and toppings separately, so they don’t get soggy before you enjoy them.

To easily reheat your meal, use a microwave-safe container and add a few drops of water to create steam as it heats up. If you prefer, you can also reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through, which can help restore some of the roasted flavors that might be lost during cold storage.

Variations to Try

Experimentation is the key to keeping this dish exciting! Try adding legumes such as chickpeas or lentils for added protein and texture. You can also switch up the herbs according to your preferences; fresh basil or dill can bring a delightful twist. If you enjoy something with a bit more zest, toss in some capers or olives after combining the ingredients.

For a heartier version, consider mixing in some cooked sausage or grilled tofu for protein. This transformation can quickly make the farro a main course, perfect for a more filling meal, particularly in the cooler months when you crave something heartier.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your farro is mushy, it may have cooked too long or absorbed too much liquid. To prevent this in the future, keep a close eye on the cooking time, and consider tasting it a few minutes before the recommended time is up to check for doneness. If it's already too soft, try mixing in some cooked brown rice or quinoa to balance the texture.

On the other hand, if your roasted vegetables are burnt, it might be due to uneven cutting or an overheated oven. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper can help with consistent roasting. Make sure to stir the vegetables midway through cooking to ensure even browning and to keep an eye on them during the final stages to avoid any charring.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other grains instead of farro?

Yes, you can substitute farro with quinoa, barley, or even brown rice, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors develop even more as it sits.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese can be delicious additions for some extra protein.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or broccoli for different flavors and textures.