Mediterranean Farro Salad with Pistachios, Asparagus, and Mint

This farro salad is delicious, AND good for the planet.

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is, “Fuel the Future.”

To help us celebrate, Registered Dietitian, Liz Weiss MS, RDN, shares four important tips for fueling better health for you, and the planet! She shares the recipe for a Mediterranean farro salad with pistachios, asparagus, and mint that you’re going to want to make again and again.

Find more recipes from Liz at www.lizshealthytable.com, or on Instagram @lizweiss.

How to Eat with the Environment in Mind

1. Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible
   

When farmers’ markets start up again in the spring and summer, consider shopping at one to support a local farmer. Or, when shopping at your neighborhood supermarket, look for local produce in season. Locally grown produce often costs less and has a lower carbon footprint, because it has less distance to travel.

2. Reduce food waste

Shop your refrigerator and pantry for meals and snacks in order to use up leftovers (i.e. make a quick pasta lunch w/ the few ounces of dry pasta lingering in a box; a few stalks of broccoli; some shredded cheese)

Consider canned and frozen produce if you don’t think you’ll use up fresh or it tends to go to waste.

And if you have canned or packaged items in your pantry that are about to expire, donate them to a food pantry or food drive. Just make sure they haven’t expired yet!

3. Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks
   

Eating more plant-based meals and snacks means eating less meat and poultry (which often require more resources) and amping up the servings of fruits and veggies that you eat in a day.

Lean into non-meat sources of protein with foods such as beans, tofu, and nuts.

4. Eat Mindfully
   

Focus on what you’re eating. It allows you to reflect on where your food came from and how it is nourishing your body. Slow down and tune into your hunger and satiety signals. Those simple practices may lead to eating less, seeking out more sustainable foods, and wasting less.

Farro Salad with Asparagus and Pistachios

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup 10-minute farro
• 8 ounces asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1½ cups)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup chickpeas
• ½ cup shelled roasted, lightly salted pistachios, divided
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup mint leaves, roughly chopped, plus a few more leaves for garnish
• 2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Cook farro according to package directions. Two minutes before done, add the asparagus. Stir, bring back to a simmer, and continue to simmer for 1 more minute.
2. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, chickpeas, half the pistachios, feta cheese, chopped mint, and green onions.
4. Make the dressing by placing the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and garlic in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the farro mixture and stir until well combined. Top with the remaining pistachios and mint leaves.