Greek Farro Salad

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the farro and cook, uncovered, 18 to 20 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. 

Meanwhile, line a sheet pan with a layer of paper towels. Drain and rinse the chickpeas; spread onto the paper towels. Using a second layer of paper towels, gently pat or roll the chickpeas to thoroughly dry; discard the paper towels and any loose chickpea skins. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 4 to 5 minutes, or until completely dry. Leaving the oven on, remove from the oven. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper; carefully stir to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Return to the oven and roast, stirring halfway through, 19 to 21 minutes, or until browned and crispy (be careful, as the chickpeas may pop as they roast). Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Roughly chop the parsley leaves and stems. Halve the tomatoes. Cut off and discard the stem of the pepper. Quarter lengthwise; remove the ribs and seeds, then thinly slice crosswise. Peel 1 clove of garlic; using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate into a paste. Combine the halved tomatoes and sliced pepper in a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, up to half the garlic paste (you will have extra), and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the zucchini rounds in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and softened. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm. Wipe out the pan. 

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (remove the tails, if desired). Season with salt and pepper, In the same pan,, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until opaque and cooked through. Turn off the heat.

To the pot of cooked farro, add the cheese (crumbling before adding) and marinated tomatoes and pepper (including any liquid). Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished farro topped with the cooked zucchini, roasted chickpeas, cooked shrimp, and tzatziki. Garnish with the chopped parsley. Enjoy!