Barley Salad Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 40 minutes | 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
🍽 Servings: Not specified | 🍽 Yield: Not specified
🥗 Recipe Category: Grains
🔍 Keywords: Vegetable, Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Refrigerator, Stove Top
Description:
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of this delightful Barley Salad, a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavors and textures, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious and healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pearl barley
- 10 cups water
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/3 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tarragon, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 3 – 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- Vinegar (to taste)
Instructions:
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Cook Barley: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the pearl barley, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 40 minutes or until the barley is tender, stirring occasionally.
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Rinse and Drain: Once the barley is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
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Add Vegetables: To the cooked barley, add the diced green and red bell peppers, chopped scallions, parsley, and tarragon. Mix well to combine.
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Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper until well blended.
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Combine and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the barley and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Variations:
- Barley & Chicken Salad: For a protein-packed version, add 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken or turkey to the salad.
- Barley, Corn & Tomato Salad: Enhance the flavor with 2 to 3 cups of cooked corn kernels and 1 to 2 pints of halved cherry tomatoes. Substitute fresh basil leaves for the parsley in the dressing for an extra burst of freshness.
- Barley Vegetable Salad: Customize your salad by adding any combination of 2 medium cucumbers (peeled, seeded, and chopped), 2 cups of cooked green peas, 1 cup of cooked corn kernels, 1/2 cup of sliced water chestnuts, and 2 chopped zucchinis or yellow squashes.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 407.9
- Fat: 18.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 18.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 55.2g
- Fiber: 11.4g
- Sugar: 2.2g
- Protein: 7.2g
Enjoy Your Barley Salad!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a flavorful side dish for your next gathering, this Barley Salad is sure to impress. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with freshness, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Bon appétit! 🥗✨
