🎉 Introduction
If you’re searching for a salad that’s refreshing, sophisticated, and packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than Ina Garten’s Charlie Bird Salad. Inspired by a famous dish from the Charlie Bird restaurant in New York City, this salad is a celebration of Italian-inspired simplicity blended with modern flair.
At its heart lies farro — a hearty ancient grain that’s nutty, chewy, and satisfying — tossed with a symphony of fresh herbs, peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and roasted pistachios. All of this is tied together with a zesty lemon dressing and topped with aged Parmesan cheese for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a dinner side dish, or bringing it to a summer gathering, this salad is both elegant and easy to prepare. Ina Garten’s version simplifies the process while keeping every bite bursting with Mediterranean-inspired freshness.
This recipe is wholesome, vibrant, and naturally vegetarian — perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Before you begin, gather the following tools to make your preparation seamless and enjoyable:
- 1 medium saucepan (for cooking farro)
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small bowl (for dressing)
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
- 1 measuring cup and spoons
- 1 large serving platter or salad bowl
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this fresh and flavorful Charlie Bird Salad:
Grains and Base
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (natural, unsweetened)
- 2 cups water
Fresh Produce
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced radishes
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
Condiments and Seasonings
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flaked sea salt, for garnish
Nuts and Cheese
- ½ cup roasted salted pistachios, whole or chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Farro
Rinse the pearled farro under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then add the rinsed farro.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still chewy. If there’s excess liquid, drain it off.
Remove and discard the bay leaves, then spread the cooked farro on a tray to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well blended. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
This dressing is light yet powerful — it brings out the natural brightness of the herbs and the nutty tones of the farro.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, tomatoes, radishes, mint, parsley, and half of the arugula. Pour in the dressing and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Before serving, fold in the remaining arugula to keep it fresh and crisp.
Sprinkle in the pistachios and Parmesan cheese, then give it one final toss.
For an elegant finish, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and top with a pinch of flaked sea salt and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
This salad serves beautifully as a main dish for lunch or a side dish for grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating (Optional):
This salad tastes best cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, heat it gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the farro softens.
Meal Prep Tip:
You can cook the farro and make the dressing a day ahead, storing them separately. Combine with fresh vegetables and herbs just before serving to keep the textures perfect.
🥄 Variations
There are countless ways to personalize this Charlie Bird Salad. Here are some delicious twists to try:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta for a Greek-inspired flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Replace some of the lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter tang.
- Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Crunch Upgrade: Swap pistachios for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Cheese Swap: Try shaved Pecorino Romano or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Grain Substitution: If you can’t find farro, use barley, quinoa, or brown rice.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What is farro, and where can I find it?
Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores near rice or grains.
2. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Replace farro with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free version.
3. Do I need to soak farro before cooking?
Pearled farro doesn’t require soaking, but rinsing it helps remove excess starch.
4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but for best results, add the arugula and herbs just before serving to keep them fresh.
5. What can I use instead of apple cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, use vegetable broth or water for cooking the farro.
6. How long does it stay fresh?
It keeps for about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
7. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
8. Can I add fruit?
Absolutely! Sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries make wonderful additions.
9. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature — both ways bring out its fresh flavors.
10. Can I use pre-cooked farro?
Yes, if you have pre-cooked farro, skip the cooking step and go straight to assembling the salad.
🏁 Conclusion
Ina Garten’s Charlie Bird Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that truly celebrates seasonal ingredients and simple flavors. With its combination of nutty farro, crisp greens, aromatic herbs, crunchy pistachios, and tangy lemon dressing, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing.
It’s the kind of recipe that fits any occasion — a cozy lunch, an elegant dinner side, or even a festive holiday dish. Each bite delivers a burst of texture and freshness, reminding us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Bring a touch of Ina Garten’s culinary magic to your table with this easy yet elegant salad — proof that healthy eating can also be delicious, colorful, and full of joy.
Ina Garten Charlie Bird Salad — Fresh, Vibrant, and Bursting with Flavor
Adem Recipes Daily 🍽️
Your pocket cooking companion — best recipes and daily recipes you can cook at home. Discover 1,700+ recipes inside the app, step-by-step and delicious.
Coming Soon
Ingredients
Adem Recipes Daily App
Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.
Coming Soon
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the pearled farro under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then add the rinsed farro.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the farro is tender but still chewy. If there’s excess liquid, drain it off.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves, then spread the cooked farro on a tray to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil until well blended. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- This dressing is light yet powerful — it brings out the natural brightness of the herbs and the nutty tones of the farro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farro, tomatoes, radishes, mint, parsley, and half of the arugula. Pour in the dressing and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully.
- Before serving, fold in the remaining arugula to keep it fresh and crisp.
- Sprinkle in the pistachios and Parmesan cheese, then give it one final toss.
- For an elegant finish, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and top with a pinch of flaked sea salt and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheating (Optional): This salad tastes best cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, heat it gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes, just until the farro softens. Meal Prep Tip: You can cook the farro and make the dressing a day ahead, storing them separately. Combine with fresh vegetables and herbs just before serving to keep the textures perfect. 🥄 Variations There are countless ways to personalize this Charlie Bird Salad. Here are some delicious twists to try: Mediterranean Twist: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta for a Greek-inspired flavor. Citrus Burst: Replace some of the lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter tang. Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. Crunch Upgrade: Swap pistachios for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. Cheese Swap: Try shaved Pecorino Romano or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. Grain Substitution: If you can’t find farro, use barley, quinoa, or brown rice. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. What is farro, and where can I find it?
Farro is an ancient whole grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores near rice or grains. 2. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Replace farro with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free version. 3. Do I need to soak farro before cooking?
Pearled farro doesn’t require soaking, but rinsing it helps remove excess starch. 4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but for best results, add the arugula and herbs just before serving to keep them fresh. 5. What can I use instead of apple cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, use vegetable broth or water for cooking the farro. 6. How long does it stay fresh?
It keeps for about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. 7. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. 8. Can I add fruit?
Absolutely! Sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries make wonderful additions. 9. What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature — both ways bring out its fresh flavors. 10. Can I use pre-cooked farro?
Yes, if you have pre-cooked farro, skip the cooking step and go straight to assembling the salad. 🏁 Conclusion Ina Garten’s Charlie Bird Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that truly celebrates seasonal ingredients and simple flavors. With its combination of nutty farro, crisp greens, aromatic herbs, crunchy pistachios, and tangy lemon dressing, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the kind of recipe that fits any occasion — a cozy lunch, an elegant dinner side, or even a festive holiday dish. Each bite delivers a burst of texture and freshness, reminding us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Bring a touch of Ina Garten’s culinary magic to your table with this easy yet elegant salad — proof that healthy eating can also be delicious, colorful, and full of joy.
