Cherry Kale Salad with Farro, Avocado, Feta, and Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where hearty greens meet seasonal sweetness. This Cherry Kale Salad combines massaged kale, chewy farro, creamy avocado, and tangy feta with fresh cherries in a homemade cherry balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for summer picnics, meal prep lunches, or light dinners alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Vegetarian, make-ahead friendly, and ready in 30 minutes with vibrant colors and textures.

Why This Recipe Works

• Massaged kale becomes tender without bitterness
• Farro adds nutty chewiness and protein
• Fresh cherries provide juicy sweetness against salty feta
• Avocado brings creaminess that balances the vinaigrette
• Cherry balsamic dressing ties everything with fruity tang

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 cup uncooked farro
• 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, chopped
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• For Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette: ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cherry juice (from pitted cherries)
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook farro in salted boiling water 20-25 minutes until tender; drain and cool.
2. Massage chopped kale with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon vinaigrette for 2 minutes until softened.
3. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, cherry juice, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine kale, cooled farro, cherries, avocado, feta, and walnuts.
5. Drizzle with ¼-⅓ cup vinaigrette and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. Add avocado and dressing just before serving. Dressed salad keeps 1-2 days.

FAQs

How do I massage kale? Rub leaves with clean hands and salt until darkened and softened, 2-3 minutes.
Fresh cherries out of season? Use frozen thawed cherries or dried cherries plumped in warm water.
Vegan option? Omit feta or use plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

Cherry Kale Salad with Farro, Avocado, Feta, and Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette delivers fresh, satisfying crunch and sweetness in every bite. A nourishing salad that’s both beautiful and delicious. Explore more grain salads at dishfoody.com.

Cherry Kale Salad with Farro, Avocado, Feta, and Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Print Recipe

Cherry Kale Salad with Farro, Avocado, Feta, and Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad combining sweet cherries, hearty farro, creamy avocado, and tangy feta with a homemade cherry balsamic dressing.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 cup cooked farro
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans
• Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp cherry juice or pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• 1. Massage chopped kale with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• 2. Cook farro according to package instructions and let cool.
• 3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, cherry juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make vinaigrette.
• 4. In a large bowl, combine kale, cooked farro, cherries, avocado, feta, red onion, and nuts.
• 5. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
• 6. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

• Massaging kale makes it tender and easier to eat.
• Use fresh summer cherries for best flavor.
• Substitute quinoa or barley for farro if preferred.
• Make vinaigrette ahead and store in refrigerator.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 large bowl
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cherry kale salad, farro salad, avocado feta salad, cherry balsamic vinaigrette