Spring has arrived, bringing with it the perfect excuse to embrace fresh flavors and colorful produce. This Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce captures the essence of the season with its blend of hearty grains, roasted spring vegetables, and a bright, herby yogurt dressing. Whether enjoyed as a light main dish or a vibrant side, this bowl delivers nourishment, freshness, and balance in every bite.
Table of Contents
A Fresh and Nourishing Spring Dish
What makes this Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce stand out is its mix of textures and flavors — nutty farro, caramelized vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. It’s quick to make, loaded with nutrients, and works equally well served warm or chilled. Perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch, it’s a dish that celebrates spring’s best produce.
Ingredients for the Spring Farro Bowl
• Farro: A chewy, nutty grain that forms the hearty base of the bowl.
• Fennel: Adds a subtle sweetness and crisp texture after roasting.
• Radishes: Provide a mild peppery bite and beautiful color contrast.
• Asparagus: Brings freshness and a tender crunch that’s unmistakably spring.
• Olive Oil: Helps the vegetables caramelize to perfection in the oven.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the herb sauce with added protein.
• Parsley: Adds earthy brightness to the sauce.
• Basil: Infuses a slightly sweet, aromatic note.
• Chives: Provide mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Enhances the dressing with zesty freshness.
• Dijon Mustard: Balances the sauce with tangy depth.
• Kosher Salt: Brings out all the natural flavors.
• Optional Garnish – Minced Chives, Fennel Fronds, Lemon Squeeze: Finishes the dish with freshness and visual appeal.
Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives
• Grain Options: Substitute farro with quinoa, barley, or brown rice for gluten-free or alternative textures.
• Vegetables: Use whatever is in season — carrots, snap peas, or zucchini make great replacements.
• Yogurt Base: Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan version.
• Herbs: Try cilantro or mint for a twist on the traditional herb blend.
• Mustard: Whole-grain mustard can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a sheet pan, arrange sliced fennel and quartered radishes. Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, and season lightly with salt. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Add Asparagus: After 15 minutes, add trimmed asparagus to the same pan. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, season with salt, and continue roasting for another 15 minutes until all vegetables are caramelized and tender.
- Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine farro, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.
- Make the Herb Yogurt Sauce: In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: Allow the farro to cool slightly, then toss it with the herb yogurt sauce until evenly coated.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the farro mixture. Garnish with minced chives, fennel fronds, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Farro Bowl
• Roast the vegetables until just caramelized for the best flavor.
• Let the farro cool slightly before mixing with the sauce — this prevents the yogurt from separating.
• For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before eating.
• This Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce can be served warm or chilled — it’s equally delicious either way.
• Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Delicious Pairings and Variations
This recipe is versatile enough to pair with many dishes or stand alone as a complete meal. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or lamb chops for a more filling option. For a lighter pairing, add a side of crusty sourdough bread or a crisp green salad.
You can also transform it into a Spring Farro Salad by chilling the mixture and adding extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving. For a spicier twist, mix in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Recipe
The Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce celebrates everything fresh, simple, and satisfying about seasonal cooking. It’s wholesome enough for everyday meals yet elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of whole grains, roasted vegetables, and creamy herbs ensures every bite is balanced with flavor and texture — a true taste of springtime abundance.
Conclusion
This Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce is a celebration of everything we love about the season — fresh produce, vibrant colors, and balanced flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for gatherings. With chewy farro, roasted spring vegetables, and a creamy, herby sauce, this dish delivers both nourishment and comfort. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a refreshing way to embrace spring cooking at its finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can roast the vegetables, cook the farro, and prepare the herb yogurt sauce in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss everything together. It tastes great cold or at room temperature.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make the Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce vegan, simply replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like cashew yogurt or coconut yogurt. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions for the best flavor balance. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
3. What protein pairs well with this farro bowl?
This bowl works beautifully as a side or base for your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or lamb chops are great pairings. For a vegetarian option, add crispy chickpeas, roasted tofu, or a soft-boiled egg to turn it into a complete, balanced meal.
More Relevant Recipes
- Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl: This flavorful bowl pairs tender salmon with a sweet honey glaze, similar in freshness and balance to the Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce. The combination of grains, vegetables, and tangy dressing offers a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- Easy Healthy Vegetable Frittata: Packed with seasonal vegetables and herbs, this frittata shares the same vibrant spring energy as the farro bowl. It’s a great protein-rich, veggie-forward dish perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these roasted potatoes are infused with lemon and herbs, echoing the bright, zesty notes of the herb yogurt sauce in the farro bowl. A perfect side for any spring meal.
Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spring Farro Bowl with Herb Yogurt Sauce is a vibrant, wholesome recipe featuring nutty farro, roasted spring vegetables, and a creamy herb yogurt dressing. Perfect as a main or side dish, it’s packed with seasonal freshness and satisfying texture, making it an ideal springtime meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups farro
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1 bunch radishes, trimmed and quartered
- 1 bunch asparagus, peeled and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (about 3/4 lb)
- 2 1/2 cups packed parsley leaves
- 1 cup packed basil leaves
- 1/2 ounce fresh chives
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional garnish: minced chives, fennel fronds, and a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange fennel and radishes on a sheet pan, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Add asparagus to the same pan, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, season with a pinch of salt, and continue roasting for another 15 minutes until caramelized and tender.
- In a medium saucepan, combine farro, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, and simmer for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain excess water.
- In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth and bright green. Season with salt to taste.
- Let farro cool slightly, then toss with the herb yogurt sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer farro to a serving bowl. Arrange roasted vegetables over the top.
- Garnish with minced chives, fennel fronds, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled — both ways are equally delicious.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan option, replace Greek yogurt with cashew or coconut yogurt.
- Try adding roasted chickpeas or nuts for extra protein and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Grain Bowl
- Method: Roasting and Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 12mg