Barley Salad
User Reviews
5
Barley Salad
Description
The recipe starts with simmered pearl barley cooked until tender, then cooled before combining with crisp, diced grape tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and kalamata olives. The use of Greek salad dressing ties the flavors together with tanginess and herbs, complemented by crumbled feta cheese for creaminess and saltiness. Fresh parsley scattered on top adds herbaceous brightness. The barley's chewy texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy fresh vegetables. Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld well.
This salad can be served as a light lunch or a side dish accompanying grilled meats or Mediterranean-style dishes. Its hearty barley base makes it more filling than a typical green salad.
If Greek salad dressing isn't on hand, a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works well as a substitute. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to seven days, making it convenient for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives or black olives
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing or Italian dressing
- parsley for garnish, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add barley, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook 25 minutes or until barley is tender. Drain any liquid and cool completely.
- While barley is cooking, chop vegetables and place in a large bowl.
- Add cooled barley and dressing. Toss well to combine.
- Garnish with feta cheese and parsley. Chill 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- If Greek dressing is unavailable, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper as a substitute.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 559 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 559 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 1298mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 368mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1369IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 108mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
