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Detox Salad

Detox Salad

The ultimate fresh and vibrant Detox Salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. With a perfect blend of juicy cherries, hearty farro, and crisp kale, it’s not just a side but a wholesome meal. Fresh, delicious, and easy to make, this salad is a must-try for your next gathering!
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup farro
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 large or 2 small lemons
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus additional for cooking the farro
  • 1 large bunch kale leaves about 10 to 12 ounces, destemmed and chopped
  • 1 cup pitted cherries halved
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 can artichoke hearts (14 ounces), rinsed and sliced into quarters if large
  • ½ cup toasted walnut halves roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Start by placing the farro in a medium saucepan with 1 and ½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. You’ll want to stir occasionally as it cooks for about 25 minutes. The farro is ready when all the water is absorbed and it’s tender but still has a nice bite. Once done, transfer the cooked farro into a large serving bowl.
  2. While the farro is cooking, let’s prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and another ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. You want to see that lovely emulsification happen, where the oil and juice blend beautifully together.
  3. Now, pour that vibrant dressing over the warm farro. Toss it gently to coat the farro evenly with that zesty dressing. The warmth of the farro will help it soak up all those delicious flavors.
  4. Add the chopped kale, halved cherries, rinsed chickpeas, diced red onion, and the quartered artichoke hearts to the bowl. It’s important to mix gently so you don’t crush the cherries. You want everything to stay intact and maintain its lovely presentation.
  5. Once all the ingredients are nicely incorporated, sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top. This will add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor to your salad. If you have the time, cover it and place the salad in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This allows the kale to tenderize a bit more and all the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed. You want it to be perfectly balanced with a zesty kick.
  7. Now it’s time to serve! You can enjoy your Detox Salad on its own or as a side for your main meal. It’s so versatile!
  8. Remember, this salad keeps well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to four days, although it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.
  9. When you're ready to dig in again, give it a good toss. You may want to add a little more dressing to refresh it.
  10. Enjoy your healthy creation and feel great knowing you’ve made something nourishing for yourself!

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover Detox Salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze this salad, you can freeze the ingredients separately (like cooked farro and chickpeas) for later use.
  • Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
  • Variations: Feel free to add other seasonal fruits or vegetables, such as diced cucumbers or bell peppers, for extra crunch.
  • Dress It Up: If you’re looking for more flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or mint to brighten up the dish.