What's on your 4th of July menu? If you are tired of the same old pasta salad, try my new favorite dish made with farro. It's easy, delicious and it will become a "must have" for all your summer parties.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked faro
• 2 coarsely chopped English hothouse or Persian cucumbers
• 1lb grape, cherry or golden tomatoes halved
• 1 bunch scallions, chopped
• 1 15oz can of chick peas---drained and rinsed
• 1 7-ounce package feta, crumbled, divided
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

• Add farro and 2 1/2 cups salted water to pot.
• Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat, allow it to cool completely. (Or follow package directions for one cup of uncooked farro).
• In a medium bowl mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper.
• Whisk together until combined.
• Combine cooled farro, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, chick-peas, feta & mint together.
• Pour lemon juice mixture on and toss to coat.