This simple Farro Caprese Salad with Shrimp is a zesty, hearty spin on the classic caprese salad.
I think I’m going to start a new segment here on the blog and it’s going to be called Meals from Mare’s Friends.
Remember a few weeks back when I shared my friend Katherine’s delicious Roasted Cauliflower Chickpea Salad Well, today’s recipe is courtesy of my good friend Fernando and it hails all the way from Montevarchi, Italy, twenty miles south of Florence.
My husband Tom and I got together with our close friends Jackie and Nando a few weeks ago and Nando mentioned this hearty farro salad his grandmother and aunt often make when they go to Italy. My eyes started to light up. I knew I’d love it because farro is one of my favorite grains. It’s hearty and nutty and keeps me incredibly satisfied for hours.
I’m also a huge fan of the classic caprese salad during the summer. Nothing beats fresh mozzarella and garden ripe tomatoes and basil drizzled with a bit of olive oil then sprinkled with salt and freshly ground pepper. Such an easy dish and always a hit at the table. It’s something I live on all summer long. So the combination of the farro with the ingredients of the caprese, and some shrimp thrown in, (because that’s how we do things at the beach), sounded like a winner of a summer salad, and one I must share.
You can either grill the shrimp or sauté them in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Whatever floats your boat (because that’s how we say things at the beach). And if shrimp is not your thing, feel free to substitute some grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken which is equally delicious. I used grape tomatoes, but any kind of juicy red tomato will do. And I used cherry size fresh mozzarella, but you can use the larger ball and cut it in cubes. A little sprinkle of pine nuts on top for garnish and extra crunch and of course some fresh basil leaves plucked from the garden make this delicious salad one of my new summer faves. Thanks Nando! Hope y’all enjoy it too!
- 1 1/2 cups farro I use Bob's Red Mill
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 8 oz. fresh cherry size mozzarella or large 8 oz. ball, cubed
- 6-8 oz. pesto
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 fresh lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup pine nuts for garnish
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Rinse 1 1/2 cups farro. Place in a large pot and add 4 1/2 cups water, enough to cover the grains. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. Let cool, then place in a large bowl.
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In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 4-5 mins total. Feel free to grill shrimp, if desired. Drain and add shrimp to farro.
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Add the tomatoes and mozzarella to the farro.
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In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and garlic. Pour over the farro mixture and gently toss until well coated. Squeeze the lemon over the farro and toss again. Season with salt and pepper.
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Top with pine nuts and additional fresh basil leaves. Serve either at room temperature or chilled.
Seriously, NOTHING beats caprese salads in the Summer. Love that this one is bulked up with farro and shrimp. Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
I knew when my friend Nando described his grandmother’s recipe that I’d have to try it! It’s absolutely delicious Liz and so incredibly satisfying!
How refreshing it is to use ancient seeds and grains ! Grazie mille !
Prego!!
Geez, Mary Ann! You have some awesome friends!! I do remember that chickpea and cauliflower salad and was even telling hubby about it cause I know it’s something we would love and it’s on our list to try. This one looks pretty delicious too! It’s hearty, filling and you pretty much wouldn’t need a thing with it! Love those pine nuts too! Pinned! Hope you have a fantastic week! Thanks for another lovely recipe :) xoxo
I know right?! I absolutely love farro, so I knew this would be a hit! You’re quite welcome. I hope you have a great week!
Love your idea for the new segment, Mary Ann, especially since your friends seem to have amazing, delicious ideas!! Caprese salad in the summer is an absolute MUST! Loving this farro spin! So hearty, yet light and I’m a shrimp fan, so I love that they make an apperance here! Delicious, my friend! Pinned! XO
They do! I’m quite lucky! It’s making my job so easy this summer. Have a great week Chey!
A light appetizer just turned into a hearty recipe. Fabulous way to enjoy farro, Mary Ann! What fun!
It really is so hearty Traci! A little helping of this goes a long way! Have a wonderful week!
That looks spectacular Mary Ann! Those shrimp are so juicy and with all those caprese flavors? Genius!
It’s a winner Alida!
Love this so much. Farro is one of my go-to grains all year long and I can never EVER resist a recipe with shrimp. Looks stunning too!
Thanks so much Debs! I absolutely love farro too. Hope your summer is going great!
I enjoy eating farro , it’s filling and delicious. Your recipe looks delicious and easy to make. Thanks Mary Ann!
It really is incredibly easy Gerlinde. I know you’d love this one. Anything caprese is a winner with me.
‘Meals from Mare’s Friends’ is sizing up to be an enormous hit! You are two for two, my friend! I made the cauliflower (and loved it) and can’t wait to make this!! These are my kinda flavors! Thanks for sharing!! Pinned!
So glad you enjoyed the cauliflower Annie. I think you’ll love this one too. So hearty!
Love this dish, Mary Ann! I am a big fan of farro, too and your caprese spin (and shrimp!) sounds so delicious. Can’t wait to try this one :)
It’s so delicious Jennifer! Hope you love it!
Farro is my all time fave grain! Love the shrimp, too!
Mine too Jennifer!
I love this new segment. I can’t wait to see what is next. Farro caprese with shrimp – such a good idea, so many summer flavors in one.
My friends always seem to be sharing something good lately! It’s making my job way easier!
So many great flavors, this is such a beautiful salad Mary Ann!
Can’t beat caprese flavors Matt!
This is beautiful and sounds amazing! I’m such a sucker for anything caprese!
Me too Chris! Thanks so much!
Oh my, Mary Ann! Farro is one of my favorites too! And it’s impossible to beat a caprese salad. Thank Nando for me because I know this gorgeous salad is going to be one of my favorite dishes all summer!
I certainly will Kelsie! I’m so glad!
What a delightful summer combination- one that would make such a nice all-in-one lunch or dinner! Farro is one of my favorites too, and pesto is such a great way to dress up salads. You are so lucky to be by the beach!!
It’s so delicious Emily! I love anything caprese during the summer. The flavors can’t be beat!
Sounds like a winner, Mary Ann!! And authentic! Haha. I’ve been meaning to make my own farro recipe for ages now, this might be the kick in the pants I need to get on it!!
Yay! Totally authentic Natasha! Right from an Italian grandmother!
This looks incredible! love this farro caprese salad!!!
Thanks Alice!
I think I need to meet all your friends and invite myself to dinner. Mmm k? WOW! love this combo
Open invite if you’re ever at the beach Lindsay! This one’s a total keeper!
LOVE this one. Farro is so underused and one of my favorite grains besides barley. Great flavor combos in here Mary Ann, Dave will love this!
So glad Kevin! Mine too. Hope you both enjoy it!
Geez! I wish had friends that were as culinary gifted as yours. This farro salad with shrimp looks delish.
I’m so lucky this summer Nicole! They’re making my job so easy.
Looks sooooo gorgeous Mary Ann!! Pinning!
Thanks so much. Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
This is such a great salad :)
Thanks Pamela! It’s really delicious. So nice and hearty!
Love farro and caprese anything. This is perfect!
Thanks Tieghan!
I’m pretty sure most of my recipes come from my friends so I love your idea of a new segment! And farro is just so great, especially in salad form. This looks too good not to make!
I agree Aimee! Go grab the ingredients! You’ll love it. Thanks so much for following along and stopping to leave a comment!
You’ve combined some of my all-time favorite summer flavors on one gorgeous platter. Farro is one of my favorite salad ingredients and I don’t know why it isn’t more common in the U.S.? I love that nutty chew that it adds to salads, stews, etc. Can’t wait to try this, Mary Ann!
Hope you enjoy it Marissa! I love farro too! This dish is so satisfying!
Hi Mary Ann! I saw this on IG and had to come by and take a closer look. I love caprese salads, but I really love your jazzed up version here. I definitely need to start adding more grains to my salads! Beautiful! :)
So glad you popped over to check it out Anne! I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s sooo hearty and delicious.
This looks incredible Mary Ann!! How did I miss this?!?! Definitely putting this on the to-make list. Gorgeous!! xoxo
Awesome Rebecca! It’s such a hearty dish. I love anything caprese during the summer. Enjoy!
I love caprese anything, and the farro and shrimp are such a nice touch for a simple and delicious August meal!
Me too Laura! I knew the moment my friend Nando told me about his family’s recipe that I’d have to share it!