Name: Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup farro, rinsed; 3 cups water or vegetable broth; ½ tsp salt; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small red onion, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; ¾ cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small garlic clove, minced; Salt to taste; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or walnuts; Fresh parsley or dill, chopped; Sliced avocado

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a wholesome, vibrant meal that feels both comforting and fresh, this Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle is exactly what you need. Packed with nutty farro, beautifully roasted vegetables, and a bright, creamy lemon yogurt sauce, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients into a nourishing Mediterranean-inspired bowl that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Once you try this Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy days or whenever you want a little culinary sunshine on your plate.

Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role: farro provides a hearty and chewy base, the roasted veggies add color and sweetness, and the lemon yogurt drizzle brings a tangy brightness that ties everything together perfectly.

1 cup farro, rinsed: A nutty, chewy ancient grain that shapes the heart of this bowl.
3 cups water or vegetable broth: Cooking the farro in broth adds extra depth of flavor.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the farro and veggies.
1 zucchini, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and pleasant moisture when roasted.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
1 small red onion, sliced: Roasts beautifully to add a caramelized, savory note.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy tang that complements the lemon drizzle.
2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for roasting and making the lemon yogurt sauce luxuriously smooth.
½ tsp dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herbal touch.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the roasted veggies.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the layers of flavor.
¾ cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the lemon yogurt drizzle that cools and brightens.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brings fresh acidity and zing to the sauce.
1 tsp lemon zest: Adds aromatic citrus brightness.
1 small garlic clove, minced: Pungent and flavorful, it adds depth to the yogurt drizzle.
Optional Toppings: Crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts or walnuts, fresh parsley or dill, and sliced avocado make great joyful additions that elevate each bite.

How to Make Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle

Step 1: Cook the Farro

Start by bringing 3 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rinsed farro along with ½ teaspoon of salt, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. Give it about 25 to 30 minutes to transform into tender, chewy grains. If there is any leftover liquid after cooking, drain it well. This step sets the foundation for the bowl with farro’s hearty texture and mild nutty taste.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Toss the diced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded to encourage caramelization. Roast the vegetables for about 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re tender and lightly golden around the edges. This roasting process draws out the natural sweetness and gives the bowl a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Yogurt Drizzle

While the veggies roast, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt as needed. This bright and tangy drizzle will bring a fresh zestiness that contrasts beautifully with the warm farro and roasted veggies.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the warm farro evenly into serving bowls, then pile the roasted vegetables on top. This creates a colorful and inviting base perfect for layering flavors and textures.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the lemon yogurt sauce generously over the assembled bowls. If you like, sprinkle on some crumbled feta, toasted nuts, fresh herbs, or sliced avocado for an added burst of flavor and richness. Serve this Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle warm and enjoy a meal that’s both nourishing and deliciously satisfying.

How to Serve Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like crumbled feta or fresh herbs such as parsley and dill takes this dish to another level. The salty, creamy feta complements the tangy yogurt, while herbs add a fresh pop of green and aroma, making every bite exciting. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts provide a pleasing crunch, and avocado slices bring buttery richness to round out the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle shines as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with light side dishes. Consider a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon or warm pita bread to scoop everything up. For a heartier accompaniment, a grilled piece of chicken or fish adds protein and rounds out the Mediterranean vibe beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this bowl family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves to customize with toppings and sauces. Or, for a more elegant touch, layer the farro and roasted veggies in clear glasses for layered parfaits. Drizzling the lemon yogurt in artistic swirls or dollops adds a lovely visual appeal that makes this wholesome meal feel like a special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover farro and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lemon yogurt drizzle in a separate small jar to preserve its freshness and consistency. This separation helps maintain the textures and flavors for your next delicious meal.

Freezing

While the roasted vegetables and farro freeze well individually, it’s best to freeze them separately to avoid sogginess. Place cooled farro and veggies in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the lemon yogurt drizzle, as the texture and flavor can degrade after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the farro and vegetables gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the farro moist. Once heated, drizzle with fresh lemon yogurt sauce for the best flavor experience, as the cold sauce balances the warm bowl beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of farro?

Absolutely! While farro’s chewy texture and nutty flavor are perfect here, you can substitute with barley, quinoa, or brown rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the grain is tender yet firm.

Is the lemon yogurt drizzle suitable for dairy-free diets?

You can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt to recreate the lemon drizzle. Just be mindful of the flavor differences and adjust lemon and garlic amounts to taste.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth, choose dairy-free yogurt for the drizzle, and skip the feta or replace it with vegan cheese or extra nuts. The roasted veggies and farro still deliver incredible flavor and satisfaction.

How do I get perfectly roasted vegetables every time?

Make sure the vegetables are cut into uniform pieces and not crowded on the baking sheet. Tossing them well in oil and seasonings helps with even roasting and caramelization, which enhances natural sweetness.

What’s the best way to store the lemon yogurt drizzle if not using immediately?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and if it thickens too much, add a tiny splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it back up.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Farro Bowl with Lemon Yogurt Drizzle is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it’s a versatile, nutrient-packed bowl that satisfies all the senses. I can’t recommend it enough—give this recipe a try and discover just how delightful a wholesome, homemade meal can be!