WARM FARRO SALAD WITH CHARRED CORN

Warm Farro Salad with Charred Corn image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 55m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Grated zest of 1 lemon, plus 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced shallot
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
6 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups farro
3 ears of corn, shucked
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil

Steps:

Start by making the vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, mustard and shallot; season to taste with salt and pepper.
For the salad, combine the cherry tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Set aside.
Preheat a grill to high. Fill a large saucepan with 1 1/2 quarts water; add 1 tablespoon salt and the vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the farro and gently simmer until al dente, 15 to 20 minutes; drain well. While the farro is warm, immediately mix with about three-quarters of the vinaigrette (set aside the rest to punch up or remoisten the salad later if necessary).
While the farro is cooking, brush the corn with the vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on the hot grill, turning with tongs, until charred, 10 minutes. Cut off the kernels.
Stir the corn kernels, tomatoes, olives, pistachios and chives into the farro. Gently toss to combine; add more vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the basil.