Farro Sweet Potato Salad is the kind of meal that proves salads don’t have to be boring. This dish is hearty, packed with flavor, and satisfying enough to keep you full for hours. It’s the perfect mix of chewy farro, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a tangy homemade dressing that ties everything together.
This salad isn’t just about great taste—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Farro is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness along with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and complex carbs that fuel your body.
Whether you need a make-ahead lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a simple yet filling dinner, this salad fits the bill. Plus, it pairs beautifully with proteins like grilled chicken or salmon. Speaking of which, if you love fresh, satisfying meals, check out this Grilled Salmon Salad for another winning dish!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is one of those recipes that just makes sense. It’s got everything you want in a meal—hearty grains, naturally sweet roasted veggies, and a zippy dressing that ties it all together. This isn’t your average salad that leaves you hungry an hour later. It’s filling, packed with flavor, and honestly, even better the next day.
This dish is perfect for meal prep because the flavors get even better over time. The farro stays nice and chewy, the sweet potatoes hold their texture, and the dressing soaks into every bite. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, it’s a solid choice for lunch, dinner, or a quick grab-and-go meal.
Looking for more wholesome recipes? You might also love this Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing for another satisfying and versatile dish.
Ingredients for Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad comes together with a mix of wholesome grains, roasted veggies, and bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Balsamic Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy sweetness
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – For richness and smoothness
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed – Boosts flavor
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the ingredients
Farro Salad
- 1 cup pearled farro – Nutty, chewy, and full of fiber
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (2-3), peeled and diced – Naturally sweet and packed with vitamins
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Helps roast the veggies to perfection
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings earthy, herby notes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper – A hint of heat (optional)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot – Adds a mild, savory bite
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped – Crisp, nutrient-rich greens
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese – Salty, tangy, and creamy
- Tahini dressing (optional) – For extra creaminess
This Farro Sweet Potato Salad is all about balancing textures and flavors—nutty farro, tender roasted sweet potatoes, crispy kale, and a zesty balsamic dressing.
Tools You’ll Need for Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is super easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy gadgets—just a few kitchen basics to get the job done.
- Medium Pot – You’ll need this to cook the farro until it’s perfectly chewy. If you have a rice cooker or Instant Pot, you can use that too!
- Baking Sheet – A sturdy sheet pan is essential for roasting those sweet potatoes to golden perfection.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Chopping sweet potatoes and greens is way easier with a good-quality knife.
- Large Mixing Bowl – A big bowl makes tossing everything together simple and mess-free.
- Mason Jar (or Small Bowl & Whisk) – Shaking up your dressing in a jar is quick, easy, and means fewer dishes to wash.
That’s it! With just these kitchen staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a batch of Farro Sweet Potato Salad in no time.
Looking for more easy, flavor-packed dishes? Try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for a quick and satisfying meal!
How to Make Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is simple to prepare and comes together in just a few steps.
1. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Farro
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of kosher salt, then stir in the farro. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the grains are tender. Drain, transfer to a serving bowl, and toss with a little olive oil to keep the grains from sticking.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red chili, and kosher salt. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Onions & Continue Roasting
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter the sliced red onion or shallot over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss everything together, then return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are golden and tender.
5. Roast the Kale
On the same baking sheet, spread the chopped kale in an even layer. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 5 minutes, just until the leaves are slightly crispy and wilted.
6. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, roasted sweet potatoes, and crispy kale. Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
7. Add the Final Touches
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with tahini dressing (if using). Let the flavors meld for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
This Farro Sweet Potato Salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. If you love hearty salads, try pairing it with Grilled Salmon Salad for a protein-packed meal!
Swaps & Substitutions for Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is super flexible, so you can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Here are some simple swaps to keep the flavors bold and the texture just right.
Grain Swaps
- No farro? No problem! Swap it out for quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur for a gluten-free option.
- Want something even heartier? Try barley or whole wheat couscous for a different texture.
Sweet Potato Alternatives
- Butternut squash, carrots, or roasted pumpkin work just as well if you’re out of sweet potatoes.
- Want a different vibe? Try golden beets for an earthy twist.
Dressing Variations
- Love a little extra zing? Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Want something creamy? Mix in Greek yogurt or tahini for a richer dressing.
Protein Boosts
- Make it more filling by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
- For a crunchy, protein-packed topping, toss in roasted nuts or seeds like pecans or pumpkin seeds.
Dairy-Free & Vegan Options
- Skip the feta and use avocado or dairy-free cheese crumbles for creaminess.
- Add a handful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
This Farro Sweet Potato Salad is all about customization! Want another simple and delicious meal? Check out this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a fun and flavorful dish.
What to Serve with Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a side or bulking it up for a heartier meal, here are some delicious options to round out your plate.
Protein Pairings
- Grilled Chicken – A simple lemon-herb chicken breast makes a perfect match.
- Salmon – Try it with baked or air-fryer miso-glazed salmon for a flavorful, protein-rich meal.
- Tofu or Tempeh – Pan-seared or baked tofu adds a plant-based protein boost.
Soup & Bread Combos
- Tomato Soup – The creamy, tangy contrast pairs well with the nutty farro and sweet potatoes.
- Garlic Bread – A slice of crusty, warm garlic bread makes this meal feel extra cozy.
- Lentil Soup – A hearty bowl of lentils complements the salad’s flavors while adding more fiber and protein.
Brunch & Light Bites
- Poached Eggs – Top your salad with a runny egg for a rich, velvety texture.
- Avocado Toast – The crunch of good toast with creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the flavors in this salad.
- Hummus & Pita – A side of hummus and warm pita rounds out the meal with extra protein and creaminess.
This Farro Sweet Potato Salad is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. If you’re looking for another fresh and flavorful recipe, check out this Blended Overnight Oats for an easy, nutritious breakfast!
Print
Farro Sweet Potato Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful salad featuring chewy farro, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pearled farro
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper (optional)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion or shallot
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Tahini dressing (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and stir in the farro. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, chili pepper, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Add sliced onion to the sweet potatoes, toss, and roast for another 5-10 minutes.
- Spread chopped kale on the same baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and toss well.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and tahini dressing if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day! Try swapping farro for quinoa or adding chickpeas for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting & Boiling
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: farro, sweet potato, salad, healthy, meal prep
If you made this recipe, please leave a rating at the bottom of the page! Your feedback is valuable to me and other readers. For more delicious homemade recipes, subscribe to my Newsletter and join me on Pinterest, Facebook and X!
FAQs About Farro Sweet Potato Salad
What is Farro Sweet Potato Salad made of?
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is a simple yet flavorful mix of chewy farro, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh greens, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing. Some variations also include feta cheese, dried cranberries, or chickpeas for added texture and taste.
What exactly is farro?
Farro is an ancient whole grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, similar to barley. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron, making it a nutrient-dense choice for salads and grain bowls.
Is Farro Sweet Potato Salad good for you?
Absolutely! This salad is loaded with fiber, complex carbs, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced, satisfying dish. Farro supports digestion and energy levels, while sweet potatoes offer vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and potassium.
What is the best combination with sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes pair well with savory flavors like garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar, as well as sweet additions like cranberries or maple syrup. Nuts like pecans and walnuts also enhance their natural sweetness and add crunch.
What does farro go well with?
Farro works great in grain bowls, soups, and salads. It pairs beautifully with leafy greens, roasted vegetables, citrus dressings, and hearty proteins like grilled chicken or salmon. Try it with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a cozy meal!
What is the healthiest way to eat sweet potatoes?
What is the healthiest way to eat sweet potatoes?
The best way to enjoy sweet potatoes is roasted, steamed, or baked without excessive sugar or butter. Tossing them with a little olive oil and spices before roasting enhances their natural flavor while keeping them nutritious.
Why You Need to Try Farro Sweet Potato Salad
Farro Sweet Potato Salad is the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients that make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead meal, a crowd-pleasing side, or a simple way to switch up your weekly menu, this salad delivers.
What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to customize. Swap the grains, switch up the dressing, or throw in your favorite toppings—it’s a flexible, foolproof recipe. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of proteins, from grilled salmon to chickpeas, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of Farro Sweet Potato Salad, and let me know how you make it your own. Got a favorite add-in? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re craving more delicious meal ideas, check out this Spaghetti Pie Recipe for another comforting dish to try next.