Recipes (main dishes)
Roasted root vegetable and farro salad with goat cheese, toasted seeds, and sherry vinaigrette
A vibrant, nourishing main dish that layers roasted roots, chewy farro, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy seeds, all brought together by a bright sherry vinaigrette for year‑round appeal.
Published by
Andrew Allen
July 26, 2025 - 3 min Read
Root vegetables bring warmth and color to a substantial, satisfying salad that serves as a complete meal. Start with a mix of chunky pieces—carrots, parsnips, and red onions—tossed in olive oil, salt, and a whisper of cumin. As they roast, their edges caramelize, releasing natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the nutty farro simmered until each grain reveals a tiny offer of bite. The farro provides firm texture that stands up to roasting, acting as a sturdy base. A careful balance of acidity, sweetness, and earthiness makes this dish versatile for chilly dinners or bright spring lunches, especially when enriched with goat cheese and seeds.
While the vegetables roast, prepare the farro in gently salted water until it is al dente, then drain and cool slightly. Toast pumpkin seeds, sunflowers, or a mix in a dry skillet until their edges blur into golden brown. The aromas will hint at nutty depth to come. Whisk a vinaigrette that leans into sherry vinegar for tang and a touch of honey for warmth. The tiny amount of Dijon adds a whisper of peppery bite. Once the roasted roots come out of the oven, fold them into the warm farro, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and scatter the seeds and crumbled goat cheese across the surface to catch every bite.
A nourishing centerpiece that adapts with seasonal vegetables.
The goat cheese melts gently against the hot vegetables, creating pockets of creamy richness that balance the chew of the farro and the crisp seeds. A well-tuned vinaigrette ties everything together with bright acidity and a hint of sweetness from the honey. As you plate, consider a final touch of fresh herbs—parsley, chives, or mint—to lift the dish’s aroma and add a note of garden brightness. The texture progression is the star: soft, creamy cheese; sturdy grains; and crackly seeds. This arrangement makes the salad feel indulgent without being heavy, ideal for entertaining or a comforting weeknight meal.
In every bite you’ll notice contrasts that keep the dish engaging. The roasted roots bring caramelized depth, while the farro lends a chewy backbone that sustains flavor through the plate. The seeds contribute crunch and a toasty aroma, echoing the vegetable sweetness. Goat cheese contributes tang and creaminess, providing lush pockets that melt into the grain. The sherry vinaigrette acts as a bright thread through the components, with acidity that lifts the cheese and a subtle sweetness that echoes the roasted vegetable sugars. The result is a modern light dish that remains hearty enough to satisfy, even after a long day.
Textural harmony and bright contrasts define the experience.
To tailor the dish to what’s in your pantry, swap vegetables while preserving the roasting method. Turnips, sweet potatoes, or beets can replace parsnips, while adding a splash of citrus zest in the dressing brightens the overall impression. If you’re avoiding dairy, swap goat cheese for a sharp sheep’s milk or a tangy burrata alternative, or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version that relies on the vinaigrette’s bite to sharpen flavors. The grain choice can also shift; pearled barley or quinoa provide different textures while maintaining a hearty feel. The key is to maintain balance so nothing overwhelms the others.
A crisp green salad partner on the side keeps the meal fresh and balanced, but you can also serve this warm as a generous one-dish supper. If you prepare it ahead, hold off on dressing until just before serving to preserve the vegetables’ distinct textures. The vinaigrette can be scaled up for larger gatherings, and seeds can be prepared a day ahead to deepen their toasty aroma. This dish holds nicely for a day in the fridge, and the flavors often intensify after a brief rest, making it even more compelling as leftovers.
Seasonal ingredients meet timeless technique for everyday elegance.
When you choose your harvest of roots, consider the size of the pieces to ensure even roasting. Smaller cubes crisp quickly and deepen in flavor, while larger chunks stay tender inside. A light drizzle of olive oil over the finished dish helps unify the components and adds a subtle gloss to the surface. If you prefer a lighter touch, reduce the amount of oil in both the roasting and the vinaigrette, relying on the vegetables’ inherent oils to carry the dish. Salt and pepper should be applied in layers—season the vegetables before roasting, the grain after cooking, and the final plate with a delicate pinch of finishing salt.
The salad’s heart is the creamy, tangy, slightly tang cheese that brightens each mouthful. Goat cheese’s acidity tempers the sweetness of the roasted roots, while its creaminess enriches the farro’s texture. The seeds provide a crucial crunch, echoing the vegetable’s crisp edges. The sherry vinegar gives a delicate, wine-like sharpness that lingers without overpowering. When you spoon the mixture onto a plate, consider a light drizzle of the dressing around the border to anchor it, leaving the center free for the colorful vegetables and seeds to shine.
Sustaining flavors and textures across seasons and servings.
The roasting technique is simple but essential: preheat well, toss the vegetables with oil and salt, then spread in a single layer to maximize browning. Use parchment on the sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup. Give them a mid-roast flip to promote even caramelization. The farro should be rinsed to remove its powdery starch and cooked until just tender, then cooled to prevent it from overpowering the dish when mixed with hot vegetables. Finally, the dressing should be whisked vigorously to emulsify, so every bite carries consistent brightness rather than a separation of flavors.
When assembling, spoon the hot farro into a wide bowl, scatter the roasted vegetables over the top, and crumble the goat cheese in generous specks. Sprinkle the seeds for crunch and finish with a shower of fresh herbs. Consider a final, subtle drizzle of sherry vinaigrette just before serving to unify the plate’s elements. This approach yields a dish that looks as appealing as it tastes, with each component clearly identifiable yet harmoniously integrated. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite through repeated versions.
To transform this salad into a meal for a gathering, scale up all components and keep the same ratios. A larger pan of vegetables takes longer to roast, so plan for an extra ten minutes of oven time and check for evenness. If you have guests with different dietary needs, offer goat cheese on the side or provide a dairy-free dressing option to accommodate everyone without sacrificing flavor. The seeds can be roasted in advance and warmed briefly before serving to preserve their crispness. The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge, ready to whisk and pour.
In conclusion, this roasted root vegetable and farro salad with goat cheese, toasted seeds, and sherry vinaigrette is a versatile staple for any season. Its depth comes from careful contrasts in texture and an elegant balance of flavors that feel both rustic and refined. The dish rewards patient preparation and thoughtful plating, inviting both leisurely weekday lunches and festive dinners. By adjusting the vegetables, grain, or cheese to suit your preferences, you can keep this evergreen recipe fresh and consistently delicious for years to come.
