Italian Barley Salad
User Reviews
5
Italian Barley Salad
Description
This salad uses pearl barley cooked in salted water to a tender yet slightly chewy texture, providing a hearty grain base that stands up to fresh vegetables. Chopped cucumber, tomato, and red onion add cooling crunch and juiciness, brightening the dish with freshness. Parsley contributes a fresh herbal note that blends well with the classic Italian dressing, which brings acidity, oil, and herbs, rounding out flavors.
The salad is assembled simply by combining the cooled barley and vegetables with the dressing, ensuring each bite includes both grain and veggie components. It benefits from refrigeration for several hours or overnight to allow the dressing to penetrate the barley and veggies, making the flavors cohesive without overpowering the individual textures.
This salad can serve as a side dish to grilled meats or vegetarian mains, or as a light stand-alone meal. For gluten-free variations, barley can be substituted with quinoa, millet, or another gluten-free grain, adapting the recipe for different diets. The make-ahead nature and chilled serving make it a convenient choice for warm days or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup pearl barley for GF version use quinoa, millet or GF grain of choice, uncooked
- 1 cucumber chopped
- 3 tomato chopped
- 1/2 cup onion red, chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing click link for recipe, homemade
Instructions
- Cook the barley in salted water for about 45 minutes or until the barley is tender but still chewy. Drain and cool completely.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the Homemade Italian Dressing and stir to thoroughly combine. Chill in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours before serving. Can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 212 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 212kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g | 14% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 267mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 500IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 9.6mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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