Italian-Style Farro Grain Bowl with Roasted Courgette and Tomatoes

An Italian-style farro bowl brings the structure of a grain salad to a simple lunch format: chewy, nutty grains, sweet roasted vegetables, sharp leaves and a savoury cheese finish. Farro holds its texture well, making it especially good warm or at room temperature, while blistered cherry tomatoes and roasted courgette add juiciness rather than heaviness. Lemon zest, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil keep the dressing bright, with rocket for peppery freshness and Parmesan for a salty, umami edge. It is practical for make-ahead lunches, but best assembled with the rocket added just before serving.
Cuisine style Italian-inspired vegetarian cooking
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Make-ahead friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Chewy, juicy and fresh: Tender farro keeps a pleasant bite, while roasted tomatoes, courgette and rocket add contrast.
  • Bright dressing: Lemon juice and zest cut through the olive oil and Parmesan, keeping the bowl fresh rather than heavy.
  • Good for lunch prep: The farro and roasted vegetables hold well in the fridge; add the rocket just before serving for the best texture.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Cook the farro while the vegetables roast: The recipe is most efficient when the farro simmers at the same time as the courgette and tomatoes roast.
  • Best warm or at room temperature: Dress the farro while it is still warm so it absorbs the lemon and olive oil, then serve immediately or let it cool naturally.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose farro with bite: Farro should be tender but still chewy; overcooking makes the bowl feel soft and heavy.
  • Use the tray juices: Scrape the roasted tomato juices into the bowl with the farro, as they add sweetness and depth to the dressing.
  • Finish with good olive oil: Because the dressing is simple, a good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference to the final flavour.

Make-ahead tips

  • Keep the rocket separate: Store the dressed farro and vegetables separately from the rocket so the leaves stay peppery and fresh.
  • Packable for lunches: Refrigerate in a sealed container and eat cold, bring to room temperature, or warm gently with a small splash of water.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil for the farro.
  2. Cook the farro until tender but still pleasantly chewy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well and tip into a mixing bowl.
  3. Meanwhile, cut the courgette into bite-sized chunks and halve the cherry tomatoes. Crush the garlic, then toss the courgette and tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, half the fine sea salt, and a good pinch of black pepper on a baking tray.
  4. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until the courgette is tender and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy. Scrape any tray juices into the bowl with the farro.
  5. Finely grate the Parmesan. Zest the lemon into the bowl, then squeeze in the juice and whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, the remaining fine sea salt, and the remaining black pepper.
  6. Fold the warm farro through the dressing, then add the roasted vegetables and toss gently. Add the rocket and toss just until it starts to soften, then finish with the Parmesan and serve warm or at room temperature.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, cook the farro until it is tender with a little bite, then drain thoroughly so the dressing clings rather than turning watery.
  • If serving at room temperature, dress the farro and vegetables first, then fold in the rocket just before eating so it stays peppery and fresh.

Substitutions

  • Replace Parmesan with Grana padano cheese for a slightly milder, sweeter finish.
  • Replace rocket with baby spinach for a softer, less peppery bowl.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. For best results, store the rocket separately and fold it in just before serving; eat cold or bring to room temperature, or warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of water.

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Italian-Style Farro Grain Bowl with Roasted Courgette and Tomatoes
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 45min (15min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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