Farro Salad

I've been to New York City once.   I don't feel a need to go back again.   But evidently there is a restaurant there called Charlie Bird, which I would probably like, because years ago, Melissa Clark published a recipe for their farro salad in the NYT which I totally loved.     I've made it a bunch of times and tweaked it as I see fit.   It's the only reason I buy farro.   Here's how I make it:

Farro Salad
1 cup farro
1 cup apple cider
2 teaspoons kosher salt,
2 bay leaves
8 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
1/2 c chopped pistachio nuts
2 cups arugula leaves
1 cup parsley leaves, torn
1 cup mint leaves
¾ cup halved cherry tomatoes
⅓ cup thinly sliced radish


In a medium saucepan, bring farro, apple cider, salt, bay leaves and 2 cups water to a simmer. Simmer until farro is tender and liquid evaporates, about 30 minutes. If all the liquid evaporates before the farro is done, add a little more water. Let farro cool, then discard bay leaves.


In a Ball jar, add together olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Add farro, cheese and pistachio nuts and mix well. This salad base will keep for up to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.   Just before serving, fold in arugula, herbs, tomatoes, radish.