Grain Salad With Olives And Whole Lemon Vinaigrette Food

GRAIN SALAD WITH OLIVES AND WHOLE-LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook farro in a large wide pot over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown and toasted (it should start to smell like popcorn), about 4 minutes. Remove pot from heat and pour in cold water to cover grains by 1"; throw in a generous amount of salt (a healthy handful should do it). Set pot over medium-high heat and bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, skimming surface occasionally of any foam that may rise to the top, until grains are tender but still have some bite, 25-35 minutes. Drain and transfer farro to a large bowl.
• Meanwhile, using the side of a chef's knife, coarsely crush olives to break them up into large craggy pieces; discard pits. Place in a large bowl and add chopped lemon and shallots. Toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Let mixture sit 5 minutes to allow shallots to slightly pickle and flavors to meld.
• Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium. Add olive mixture and cook, swirling occasionally, until ingredients are warmed through and shallots are slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Scrape vinaigrette into bowl with farro and toss to combine. Taste grain salad and season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice if you want.
• Just before you're ready to eat, fold herbs into salad.
• Do Ahead
• Grains can be cooked 1 day ahead; let cool, then cover and chill. Salad (without herbs) can be made 6 hours ahead; cover and chill.

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD WITH LEMON CAPER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine dressing ingredients in cruet or jar. Shake well to combine ingredients. This can be done in advance.
• Divide salad greens into four dishes. Top with tomatoes, olives, feta, and onion.
• Shake dressing and pour over salad. (You may not need all the dressing).