This Farro Roasted Chicken Salad is the perfect healthy dish for meal prep or to serve at your next dinner party. It has creamy goat cheese, a delicious dressing, and feels luxurious but is easy to make!
Cook the farro: Cook the farro according to package instructions (this will take about 30-40 minutes). When the farro is al dente / still has a bit of a bite, it's done cooking, drain from the water and set aside to cool.
Make the croutons: Toast the two slices of sourdough bread in the toaster. Let cool a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Then, tear into 1 inch pieces and add to a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp salt and toss to coat the croutons. Set aside.
Whip the goat cheese: To a food processor add the plain goat cheese, lemon zest, kosher salt and olive oil. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients - olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, ground cumin, chili flakes, lemon zest, pressed garlic, dijon mustard and kosher salt. Set aside.
Toast the pumpkin seeds: Turn a skillet to medium heat and when the pan is hot add the pumpkin seeds. Toast, stirring occasionally until fragrant and starting to brown, about 5-8 minutes. Set aside.
Toss with the dressing: To a large bowl add the cooked farro, toasted pumpkin seeds, pulled chicken, chickpeas, sliced pear, diced red onion, mint leaves and parsley leaves. Drizzle with all of the dressing and toss to combine. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: Spread the whipped goat cheese on a large plate or platter. Scoop the salad into a mound on top of the goat cheese. Garnish with the sourdough croutons and enjoy!
Notes
We love to serve this salad on a large platter. However, you could also serve on side plates for each person- divide the goat cheese between 4-6 side plates, spreading on the bottom of each. Add the salad on top of the goat cheese layer, dividing between the plates and then garnish with croutons.