Greek Barley Salad
User Reviews
5
Greek Barley Salad
Description
The salad is assembled by whisking together a Greek-style dressing composed of olive oil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and pressed garlic. Cooked barley provides a chewy, nutty grain base that holds the dressing well. The fresh vegetables—cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, green olives, and red onion—add crunch, brightness, and savory brininess from the olives.
Crumbled feta cheese enriches the salad with creamy saltiness, balancing the acidity from lemon and vinegar. The ingredients are gently tossed to combine flavors evenly without bruising delicate vegetables.
This salad can be served as a refreshing lunch or a side to grilled meats and seafood. Protein can be added as suggested by including cooked chicken or canned white beans for a more substantial dish. The hearty texture of barley and savory topping make it a satisfying choice on warmer days or as part of a Mediterranean-style meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups barley about 3/4 cup dry barley, cooked, pearl or regular
- 200 g feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1 cucumber large, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup green olives regular or garlic-stuffed, halved
- 1 cup red onion diced
For the Greek dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp oregano dried
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- juice lemon of one
- 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
Instructions
- Make the dressing: whisk together all of the dressing ingredients and set aside.
- To a large bowl add all of the salad ingredients, drizzle over the dressing and then toss to combine.
Notes
- To increase protein content, add 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken or a 14-15 ounce can of drained and rinsed white beans.
- This salad serves well as a stand-alone light meal or side, and variations can enhance its nutritional value.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 485 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 485kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 46.9g | 16% |
| Protein | 12.4g | 25% |
| Fat | 30.2g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3g | 52% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7g | 16% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15.7g | 79% |
| Cholesterol | 44.5mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 1343.9mg | 56% |
| Fiber | 5.5g | 22% |
| Sugar | 7.3g | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
