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Farro and Tomato Salad with Fish-Sauce Vinaigrette

This farro and tomato salad with fish-sauce vinaigrette is a refreshing, dairy-free dish that balances deep savoury notes with bright, seasonal produce. The nutty texture of the semi-pearled farro provides a satisfying base for the juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, while charred spring onions add a sophisticated smoky depth. It is a wonderful example of how humdrum grains can be transformed into a vibrant centrepiece with just a few bold ingredients.

Ideal as a healthy midweek lunch or a sophisticated side for a summer barbecue, this salad is as versatile as it is nutritious. The punchy dressing, featuring nam pla and white wine vinegar, cuts through the richness of the grains beautifully. For the best flavour, ensure your tomatoes are at room temperature before assembly, allowing their natural sweetness to shine against the salty vinaigrette.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Farro and Tomato Salad with Fish-Sauce Vinaigrette

  • 1 garlic clove, grated

  • 45ml fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 200g semi-pearled farro

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed

  • 230g small tomatoes, preferably heirloom, cut into 1/2" wedges

  • 230g cherry and/or pear tomatoes, halved

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves

  • 1/2 cup tarragon leaves

  • Freshly ground black pepper

How to make Farro and Tomato Salad with Fish-Sauce Vinaigrette

Whisk garlic, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.

Cook farro in a medium pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 20–25 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook spring onions, turning occasionally, until charred all over, about 4 minutes. Transfer to bowl with farro. Add both types of tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and tarragon and toss to combine. Add vinaigrette and toss again to coat; season with pepper.

Vinaigrette can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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