Name: Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup farro, either pre-cooked or pearled; 1 bay leaf; Sea salt, to taste; 1 small shallot, sliced; 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar, or white wine vinegar, divided; 1 cup basil leaves, loosely packed; 1 small garlic clove, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons honey, or maple syrup; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; Pinch of sea salt; 2 small/medium peaches, diced; 1 large heirloom tomato, diced; 4-8 ounces burrata cheese

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I absolutely love sharing this Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe because it feels like summer on a plate every time I make it. The combination of sweet peaches, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and nutty farro tossed in a vibrant, creamy basil dressing makes for a refreshing yet satisfying dish. It’s one of those salads that feels effortlessly elegant but comes together quickly, perfect for impressing friends or brightening up an everyday meal.

Why You'll Love This Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe

What makes this salad truly stand out for me is the delightful balance of flavors and textures. The farro offers a hearty chewiness that grounds the salad, while the peaches bring a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bright acidity of heirloom tomatoes. The basil dressing is the star here—its creamy and herbaceous notes tie everything together, lifting the salad into something special and fresh with each bite. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a fresh melody of summer tastes that I find irresistible.

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward it is to prepare. Even on busy days, I can whip this up in about 25 minutes, thanks to pre-cooked or pearled farro cutting down the cooking time. The pickled shallots add a subtle tang and crunchy texture, and the burrata sprinkled on top feels like an indulgent finishing touch—without a ton of fuss. It’s perfect for casual dinners, summer picnics, or a healthy yet delectable side for holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe, it will soon become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden surface. At the bottom are two large heirloom tomatoes, one yellow and one dark red, surrounded by three fuzzy peaches resting on a light beige netted bag. Above them, a whole lemon and a smooth white ball of mozzarella cheese sit in small white bowls. Near these are three small dishes with oils and honey, one ceramic bowl filled with toasted grains, and a small wooden bowl of coarse salt. On the right side, sprigs of fresh green basil, a single garlic clove, a brown shallot, and a bay leaf are placed in a clean line. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, with each component adding its own magic to the salad’s texture, flavor, or color. From the fresh, vibrant produce to the creamy cheese and aromatic basil dressing, every item plays a crucial role in creating this vibrant dish.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

Farro: I use pearled or pre-cooked farro to save time, and it gives a lovely chewy texture.
Bay leaf: This adds a subtle earthy aroma to the farro as it cooks.
Shallot: Thinly sliced and pickled for a burst of mild tang and crunch.
Champagne vinegar: Its delicate acidity brightens the dressing without overpowering.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil is key for that vibrant herbal note in the dressing.
Garlic clove: Adds a punch of flavor to the basil dressing.
Lemon zest and juice: These bring a light citrus brightness to the vinaigrette.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: I always use high-quality olive oil for richness and creaminess in the dressing.
Peaches: Ripe and diced, they provide juicy sweetness and gorgeous color contrast.
Heirloom tomato: Adds that perfect juicy acidity and beautiful visual appeal.
Burrata cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts in your mouth and elevates the whole dish.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cooking the farro according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf to the cooking water to infuse a subtle fragrance. Once it’s tender, drain it well, remove the bay leaf, and rinse under cold water until the farro is cool to the touch. Let it drain while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: While the farro cooks, place the sliced shallot in a small bowl and cover it with 2 tablespoons of the champagne vinegar along with a pinch or two of sea salt. Toss gently so the shallots soak up the flavors—this pickling adds a delicious sharp contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.

Step 3: Now for the vibrant basil dressing. In a wide-mouth jar or a container suitable for an immersion blender, combine the remaining tablespoon of vinegar with the basil leaves, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Add a couple pinches of sea salt and blend until the mixture is creamy and emulsified. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed. This dressing will bring everything to life.

Step 4: Toss the cooled and drained farro with about half of the basil dressing, making sure the grains are nicely coated. Then add some of the pickled shallots along with the diced peaches and heirloom tomatoes. Gently toss everything to combine. Transfer your salad to a beautiful serving platter or bowl.

Step 5: Finally, tear the burrata into small pieces and distribute it across the top of the salad. Drizzle or dollop a little more dressing over the burrata for an extra flavor kick, then season with a bit more sea salt if you think it needs it. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors!

Step 6: Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge and enjoy within three days for the best freshness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The preparation time is roughly 10 minutes, while cooking the farro takes about 15 minutes depending on the type you use. Altogether, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish. There’s no lengthy resting time involved, but allowing the farro to cool completely before mixing helps keep the salad fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve This Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad that has four main layers visible: the bottom layer is small, light brown grains, the next layer shows bright red and orange fruit pieces, scattered thin slices of purple onion are spread on top, and dollops of soft, white cheese are placed evenly around the salad, each topped with a drizzle of green sauce. Small green leaves are also sprinkled for garnish. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture underneath, with a large orange tomato and some green leaves partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this salad chilled or at room temperature because it lets the flavors meld beautifully without losing that fresh snap. It’s fantastic on its own for a light lunch, but I also enjoy pairing it with grilled chicken or fish to turn it into a satisfying dinner. Its colorful ingredients make it a showstopper on any buffet or picnic spread. For added presentation flair, I sometimes garnish with a few whole basil leaves or a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper on top of the burrata.

For beverage pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé complements the fruitiness and acidity perfectly. If you prefer cocktails, something light and citrusy like a gin and tonic with a basil sprig works beautifully. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea will also resonate well with the fresh garden flavors.

This salad is wonderfully versatile for all occasions—weeknight dinners, potlucks, summer parties, or even as a refreshing addition to holiday meals. Portion-wise, I usually serve about one to one and a half cups per person as a side, or a bit more if it’s the main feature. The creamy burrata adds richness, so it feels indulgent without being heavy.

Variations

One of the joys of this Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe is how easily you can customize it. If you want to switch things up, try using different stone fruits like nectarines or apricots instead of peaches for a slightly different sweetness and texture. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be substituted if you don’t have heirlooms on hand, and they still add that juicy burst.

For those following a gluten-free diet, swapping farro for a grain like quinoa or gluten-free millet works well and keeps the salad hearty. To make it vegan, simply omit the burrata or replace it with creamy avocado slices or a vegan cheese alternative— it still packs a lovely richness. You can also experiment with the dressing by adding a small handful of fresh mint leaves or swapping honey for agave syrup for different flavor nuances.

If you want a warmer salad, toss the farro and dressing while the grains are still slightly warm before adding the fruit and cheese. This gives a comforting, cozy touch but still keeps the freshness of the ingredients front and center. I find that this flexibility makes the recipe a winner year-round.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since the salad contains fresh fruit, farro, and delicate cheese, it’s best enjoyed within three days to keep those vibrant flavors and textures intact. To prevent the burrata from breaking down and becoming overly soft, you can store it separately and add it fresh when serving leftovers.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh peaches, tomatoes, and cheese, which can become watery or mushy after thawing. I don’t advise freezing if you want to maintain the best texture and flavor. Instead, focus on making smaller batches that you can consume within a few days.

Reheating

Because this is a cold or room temperature salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you’d like to enjoy the farro warm, you can warm just the grains gently in a microwave or pan, then toss with fresh peaches, tomatoes, and basil dressing afterward. This way you preserve the fresh, crisp character of the salad without losing the creaminess of the dressing or the softness of the burrata.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of farro?

Absolutely! While farro is my favorite for its nutty chew and texture, quinoa or brown rice can be used as gluten-free alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking times and textures will vary slightly, but they’ll still hold the dressing and pair beautifully with the peaches and tomatoes.

What can I do if I can’t find burrata?

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or ricotta salata are excellent substitutes. They provide creaminess without overpowering the salad. For a dairy-free option, ripe avocado chunks or a vegan cheese spread thoughtfully dolloped on top work wonderfully as well.

Is the basil dressing spicy or strong-flavored?

The basil dressing is pleasantly aromatic and herbaceous with a mild garlic punch, balanced by citrus and sweetness. It’s smooth and creamy without being overpowering, making it a perfect match for the gentle sweetness of peaches and acidity of tomatoes.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most components in advance, like cooking the farro and making the dressing. However, I recommend assembling the salad and adding burrata just before serving to keep everything fresh and the textures intact.

What’s the best way to pick ripe peaches for the salad?

Look for peaches that give slightly when gently pressed and have a strong, sweet fragrance. Avoid ones that feel too firm or have green undertones—they might be underripe and won’t offer the juicy sweetness needed for this salad.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe as I am to share it! It’s a dish that truly celebrates summer’s bounty with every bite and can brighten up any meal with its fresh, flavorful ingredients. Whether you serve it at a casual weekend lunch or a special occasion, I’m confident it will become one of your all-time favorites. Give it a go and enjoy the wonderful harmony of tastes and textures—it’s pure joy in a bowl!

Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Peach and Tomato Farro Salad with Basil Dressing Recipe