Introduction
This delightful Chicken, Green Bean, Corn, and Farro Salad with Goat Cheese is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make it a perfect dish for any occasion. The combination of wholesome grains, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy goat cheese offers a balanced nutritional profile while satisfying your taste buds.
Tips for this recipe
- Opt to use semi-pearled farro or spelt berries for quicker cooking time and improved digestion.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should remain tender when incorporated into the salad.
- Fresh ingredients are key to maximizing flavor, so select ripe corn and crisp green beans for this recipe.
Why you will love this recipe
This Chicken, Green Bean, Corn, and Farro Salad with Goat Cheese stands out due to its balance of nutritious ingredients without compromising on taste. Its rich variety of flavors from the farro’s earthiness to the tangy goat cheese ensures every bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients
1/2 cup semi-pearled farro or spelt berries, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided), 8 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast halves, 12 ounces green beans trimmed and cut into pieces, 2 cups fresh yellow corn kernels, 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons minced shallot, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese (about 1 1/4 cups).
Adviced equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – Helps create uniform and thinly sliced vegetables like green beans quickly and efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – An essential kitchen tool for cutting, chopping, and preparing ingredients including the farro, corn, chicken, and goat cheese.
- Cutting Board – A durable surface to safely cut and prepare food items without damaging countertops or utensils.
- Stainless Steel Pot – Ideal for cooking grains like farro, ensuring even heat distribution and thorough cooking.
- Fry Pan – Useful for sautéing vegetables and possibly searing chicken pieces if preferred over baking or grilling.
- Salad Spinner – A handy tool to quickly rinse, drain, and dry salad greens and other components like farro and corn kernels.
- Colander – Essential for draining cooked grains such as farro after boiling or steaming them.
- Mixing Bowl – For combining ingredients, whisking dressings, or tossing salads before serving.
- Silicone Spatula – Handy for mixing and folding the components of a salad to ensure even distribution without damaging delicate greens or cheese.
History of the recipe
The origins of this Chicken, Green Bean, Corn, and Farro Salad with Goat Cheese can be traced back to traditional Mediterranean cuisines where farro has been a staple grain for centuries. Its hearty nature complements the region’s abundant harvest of corn and green vegetables, making it an ideal dish that resonates with local produce availability.
Fun facts about this recipe
Farro has a rich history as one of the oldest cultivated grains in human history, believed to have been domesticated around 700 BC. It’s not only a key ingredient but also symbolizes longevity and resilience. Additionally, incorporating goat cheese into this recipe pays homage to the historical culinary practices of combining dairy with hearty grains for a satisfying meal.
