Bright & Fresh Charlie Bird Salad Recipe for Zingy Mealtime Joy

Summer’s golden rays call for a delightful charlie bird salad recipe that bursts with fresh, crisp flavors.

This colorful dish combines unexpected ingredients in a dance of textures and tastes.

Inspired by the trendy New York restaurant, the salad delivers a perfect balance of crunchy and smooth elements.

Corn, radishes, and herbs mingle with a zesty dressing that sings of warm afternoons and outdoor dining.

Each forkful promises a refreshing explosion of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Vibrant greens and hearty grains create a light yet satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing salad.

How To Mix Up Charlie Bird Salad Fast

• Cook Farro Soak and Simmer Grains

Combine farro with apple cider and water in a saucepan, creating a flavorful cooking liquid. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let grains simmer uncovered until tender yet slightly chewy, around 25-30 minutes.

• Craft Zesty Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to build a bright, tangy flavor base that will elevate the entire salad.

• Blend Salad Components

Gently fold cooled farro with peppery arugula, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp radishes, and fresh herbs. Sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese for added richness and texture.

• Dress and Finish

Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, tossing carefully to ensure every ingredient gets coated. Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese and extra herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad immediately while ingredients are fresh and vibrant. For a slightly chilled version, refrigerate briefly before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Tips To Brighten Up Charlie Bird Salad

• Farro Perfection: Cook farro al dente by tasting a few grains during simmering to ensure the right texture – slightly chewy but not hard or mushy.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herb combinations like mint, basil, or chives to add vibrant flavor and personalize the salad's taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare farro and dressing separately in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to save time during meal preparation.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein and substance.
• Dietary Flexibility: Create gluten-free versions by substituting farro with quinoa or brown rice, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

Serving Charlie Bird Salad Fresh And Fun

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this vibrant salad in portable containers for an elegant outdoor lunch that travels beautifully.
• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Serve alongside grilled lamb, hummus, and warm pita bread to create a stunning Mediterranean-inspired spread that delights dinner guests.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform this salad into a complete and satisfying main course with extra protein and substance.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Match the salad's bright, herbaceous flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the dining experience.

How To Store Charlie Bird Salad Like A Pro

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep salad components separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 3-4 days.
• Farro Freshness Strategy: Store cooked farro separately from wet ingredients to prevent sogginess, maintaining perfect texture when ready to enjoy.
• Dressing Durability Tip: Refrigerate vinaigrette in a sealed jar for up to one week, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop vegetables, cook farro, and prepare dressing separately ahead of time, assembling salad just before serving to maintain crisp ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Fresh Ingredients For Charlie Bird Salad Bowl

• Farro: Hearty whole grain that provides a nutty, chewy texture and adds substantial nutrition to the salad.
• Apple Cider: Infuses subtle sweetness and tenderizes the farro during cooking.

• Arugula: Peppery green that brings a zesty, sharp flavor and vibrant color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bite that adds bright freshness and beautiful red color.
• Radishes: Crisp, peppery vegetable that introduces a delightful crunch and sharp flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Elevates the salad with aromatic, vibrant green notes and complex layered taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps blend flavors and adds silky texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy component that cuts through richness and enhances overall brightness.
• Lemon Zest: Concentrated citrus essence that adds intense, fragrant citrus notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheese that provides depth and creamy texture to the salad.

Tools To Toss Charlie Bird Salad Smoothly

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking farro with apple cider and water.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together dressing ingredients.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing salad components and tossing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for creating smooth, well-blended dressing.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping herbs and slicing radishes.
• Sharp Knife: Required for preparing fresh ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

Vibrant Charlie Bird Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Charlie Bird’s famous farro salad blends Mediterranean flavors with fresh herbs and roasted corn. Crisp vegetables and nutty grains combine for a refreshing summer dish you’ll crave at backyard gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) pearled farro
• 2 cups (480 ml) arugula (baby arugula preferred)
• ½ cup (120 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (60 ml) shaved Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil or mint leaves (or a mix), torn
• ¼ cup (60 ml) radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Farro Foundation: Combine farro with apple cider and water in a medium saucepan, seasoning with salt to elevate the grain’s natural essence.
2. Liquid Transformation: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, allowing farro to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tender yet maintaining a delightful al dente texture. Drain excess liquid and spread on a flat surface to cool completely.
3. Citrus Elixir Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest together, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a bright, tangy flavor profile.
4. Salad Symphony: In a generous mixing bowl, unite the cooled farro with peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp radishes, aromatic fresh herbs, and half the Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the citrus dressing, gently tossing to ensure harmonious coating.
5. Finishing Flourish: Crown the salad with remaining Parmesan shavings and a delicate sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve immediately to capture the peak of freshness, or briefly chill to allow flavors to intermingle and intensify.

Notes

• Master Farro Cooking: Ensure precise liquid ratio by using equal parts apple cider and water for rich, tangy flavor absorption.
• Prevent Mushy Texture: Watch cooking time carefully, checking farro at 25-minute mark to maintain perfect al dente consistency and avoid overcooking.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop herbs just before adding to preserve vibrant color, intense aroma, and maximum flavor profile in the salad.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan version or add grilled chicken for extra protein, making this versatile salad adaptable to various dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg