Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
Barley Summer Salad
Ingredients
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed (see Notes)
3 cups water
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup chopped sweet snap peas
2 cups chopped apple (1 to 2 medium apples) or another fresh fruit or veggie, chopped
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onion
1 Tablespoon vinegar
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup lemon juice or lime juice
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Place barley and water in a 2 or 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and cook until barley is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
- Add remaining ingredients. Toss well.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Substitute different fruits and vegetables in season.
- Add nuts or seeds for added protein.
- Pearl barley is high in fiber but it is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), add 20 to 30 minutes to the cooking time.
- If you have barley that is already cooked, measure about 3 ½ cups into a large bowl and begin at step 4.
You might also like...
Spinach Pasta Salad
Spinach Pasta Salad
This fun and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh veggies, crunchy seeds, tangy fruit and tender pasta with a savory teriyaki dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Fish and Spinach Bake
Fish and Spinach Bake
Healthy baked fish with fresh and frozen veggies and cajun spices.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Bruschetta Salad
Bruschetta Salad
Fresh tomatoes and herbs combined with crunchy croutons make the perfect summer salad.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Herb Flavored Water
Herb Flavored Water
Create your own herb-flavored water recipe for refreshing hydration.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Orange Rice Salad
Orange Rice Salad
This flavorful combination of rice, citrus, nuts and raisins makes a popular side dish. Add a protein for a filling and satisfying lunch.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli Raisin Salad
A quick and delicious salad that will be a hit at home or at a party.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Comments
We made this for three classes of 4th graders and the results were mixed. One common comment I kept hearing is that it was too tart and the barley had no flavor. The students and some staff suggested adding either salt to the barley while cooking, or sugar once it's done as part of the dressing. I think orange juice would be a better replacement for the lemon juice to make it less tart and sweeten it up a bit. Seasoning is a definite! Adding salt to the barley while cooking is highly needed, as is a little pepper in the end. The kids all loved the fruit in it and the look of it, but the agreed that it needs more seasoning.
This was a big hit! To make it festive for the 4th of July I used an extra cup of blueberries and took out the snappeas. I also used jicama instead of apple. That way the dish turns out red, white, and blue! I would even diced up a whole red pepper and use the whole thing, instead of just 1/2 cup.