Wellness
Lunch
Pesto Grilled Chicken & Farro Salad
Nutty ancient farro, juicy sliced grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts tossed with a fragrant house-made basil pesto.

What you'll need
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 400 g / 14 oz total)
1 cup dry semi-pearled farro, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated), sliced into strips
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
2 cups baby arugula or baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for grilling chicken)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp sea salt (divided)
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano (for garnish)
Let's make it
Instructions
Cook the farro: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed farro and broth with a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender yet pleasantly chewy. Drain any excess liquid, transfer to a wide bowl, and let cool to room temperature.
Season and grill the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, gently toast the pine nuts for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to prevent scorching.
Assemble the salad base: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, baby arugula, and cooled farro into a large mixing bowl.
Dress and combine: Add the fresh basil pesto and fresh lemon juice over the farro mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly and brightly coated.
Plate and serve: Divide the dressed farro salad among 4 bowls or plates. Top each serving with the sliced grilled chicken, toasted pine nuts, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Step by step
Recipe Gallery
