Avocado, Zucchini and Farro Salad


Busy are these days of summer. Yesterday we started the day off with a hike in the woods. We drove slowly down a rutted dirt road to the main trail head. There's a sign at the end that says Cummings Creek trail and you can hear the water in the background. The trail follows the ridge and takes you back far into the forest, it also connects with the Cook's Ridge and Gwynn Creek trail for a longer hike.


It's funny how when you are hiking you stop thinking about the things you normally do, like work, your home, bills and other things you normally contemplate throughout the day. What you do focus on however; is what you see, you have to pay attention to where you are stepping and your surroundings. You are totally in the moment, a bush rattles, a bird sings, you see a tree that could be hundreds of years old. Suddenly everyday things come into perspective, after all you realize this is what matters most. As I walk through the forest the ever present trees are amazing, some have moss growing on them, others have mushrooms. Some trees are growing on trees that have already toppled. You can hear the trees creek when the wind blows them just right. The ground is covered with gorgeous large ferns. This is a hikers paradise.


Today's recipe came about on the drive home from that morning's hike, I was famished and thinking about what we had available at the house and in my mind this is what I put together.



Ingredients:

For salad:

1/2 cup farro (cooked, I used Trader Joe's quick cooking)
1 medium avocado (halved, sliced thinly)
1 medium summer squash (cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
1 small head red romaine (sliced into 1/4 inch ribbons)
1/8 ounce feta cheese (crumbled)
1 handful roasted walnut pieces (roasted)
2 green onions (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin oil oil
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 green onion (thinly sliced)


To prepare:

In a large bowl, add in sections; the farro, the avocado, squash, red romaine, feta cheese, walnuts and green onions.

In the meantime make the dressing, combine the vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard and green onion. Whisk.

Serve with dressing on the side.

















Comments

  1. I've only been hiking once but I definitely remember that feeling. You're just so IN THE ZONE.

    What a perfect salad this was to feed your post-hike hunger! Every component sounds delicious!

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  2. A delicious salad! Wholesome and so enjoyable.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. Quick, delicious and satisfying..this is what I would love after a busy day.

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  4. Sometimes when I can't think of what to have for lunch or dinner, I also get surprising ideas from outside while driving or walking! This is one healthy salad that I like!

    Julie
    Gourmet Getaways

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    1. Hi Julie, I know I kind of do the same thing. Thanks!

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  5. Cheri, this looks simply scrumptious! The fruits of summer are best in their natural state and this dish celebrates that! So good!

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  6. I JUST bought some farro. That looks great! I love where you live - it's so beautiful, and reminds me of my home in New Zealand. Arizona is not really... green. Like, at all.

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    1. HI Kylee, New Zealand, how cool, I've always wanted to visit there.

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  7. You've just explained the perfect reason for people to get more of nature! Love the salad as well :)

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  8. you live in a beautiful area, for sure. :)

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  9. You are having all the fun! Love the photos, taking hikes, a fresh healthy, but filling lunch or dinner. Yum :)

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  10. The scenery looks wonderful where went hiking. This salad sounds perfect for a post-hike, love all the wholesome ingredients!

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  11. That hike looks beautiful Cheri! I'm so jealous! Not to mention the salad :)

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  12. YUM. what a delicious looking salad! love the flavour combination, thanks for sharing the awesome post and recipe!

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  13. Beautiful composed salad! Perfect post-hike fare! ~ David

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  14. What a beautiful post, Cheri. It's such a happy and calming post.... and the salad? Fabulous. Pure sunshine and summer. Love the combination of flavors! <3

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  15. That salad looks great and I like that you added farro. It's so yummy!

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    1. Hi Leah, I bought the quick cooking farro from Trader Joe's. Thanks!

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  16. Cheri:

    I can hear the sound of the trees and smell the pine needles based on your descriptions. There are few things better than losing yourself in the woods.

    And your salad sounds delicious. Here's a funny thing: we were in New York recently and I did a big Trader Joe's shopping (we don't have one here). A bag of TJ farro is on my pantry shelf, waiting for me. How cool is that? I'll put this salad on the menu this weekend.

    Have a great one.

    D

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    1. Hi Dena, Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places to shop, thats exactly what I used!

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  17. Ahh, yes, isn't it wonderful when you get out of your normal routine and that happens? You feel as good as if you've been on a 2-week holiday sometimes when you get home. I love it!
    As for this salad, it sounds so wholesome and tasty - especially with that lovely classic dressing. I've got to get around to trying some farro!

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    1. Hi Helen, farro is the best, hope you have a chance to try it.

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  18. Summer is just the busiest, isn't it?! Love the pictures of those trees from your walk, and love how you showed the salad! yum!

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  19. I have no excuse for not trying farro yet, I need to get on the bandwagon, this looks so delicious...the roasted walnuts are a nice touch :)

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    1. Hi Sue, the farro was another Trader Joe purchase, I think you will really like it

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  20. Oh, I love being out among the trees! Beautiful pictures and the perfect salad to come home to. Thanks also for your kind words - you are so sweet : )

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    1. Hi Mindy, we try and hike several times a week, and I feel very fortunate.

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  21. Great salad Cheri. I love the nuttiness of farro.

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    1. Me too, I'm thinking of trying something breakfast like with it next. Thanks!

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  22. Cheri, yes, farro has a wonderful texture and nuttiness that goes so well with that lovely, creamy avocado, crunchy summer squash and that wonderfully slightly salty feta cheese - a truly perfect recipe for that busy summer!
    Have a great weekend, dear friend!

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    1. Thanks Andrea, you are so sweet, happy week-end to you!

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  23. I'd love to go for a hike through those woods. It looks beautiful. The salad sounds wonderful with a great combination of ingredients - love the feta xx

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  24. When I'm hiking (which I rarely do), all I can think about is how tiring it is haha.....I'm not much of a hiker! I :) love the look of your salad though- looks delicious!

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  25. I love Trader Joe's quick-cooking farro. And I adore grain salads and this is the perfect light yet satisfying lunch for busy summer days. Hope you're having a great summer so far...

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    1. Hi Monica, yes having a great summer, the only complaint I have is it is moving too fast.

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  26. What a beautiful place to hike Cheri, a true escape from everyday life! Your salad looks delicious! I never had farro before but have a bag of it in my pantry that I keep forgetting about - can't wait to try it.

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    1. Hi Reeni, I think you will be pleasantly surprised how good farro is, I know I was.

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  27. What beautiful hiking scenery! And your salad sounds so good and healthy!

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  28. We visited TJ' a few weeks ago..and I bought the quick cooking farro..
    So happy you shared this!
    My first farro was bought in Casteluccio by me!
    I will never forget..

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