Farro Salad with Grapes, Goat Cheese & Tarragon Vinaigrette

Chewy, nutty farro stars in this quick, 4-step salad that finds the ancient grain standing in for chicken in a classical French preparation. Here, toothsome farro gets paired with grapes and the distinctive, anise flavored herb, tarragon. This quick, unusual salad is all about texture. There's the wet crunch of raw celery and plump, juicy grapes and the smooth addition of goat cheese to the chewy grain. It's important to take the time to let the farro cool completely before tossing it with the dressing, otherwise the dense grain will absorb the vinaigrette, rather than get brightly coated with it. Chopped fresh figs, apples, or pears would offer a great twist or addition to salad. And if you prefer, swap the goat cheese for salty, crumbly feta.