Skip to main content

Fiesta Barley Salad

A bright and colorful salad with a combination of grains, veggies and fruit.
Bowl of mandarin orange and barley salad with a wooden serving fork.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup pearl barley (see Notes)
3 cups water
¼ cup raisins or other dried fruit
1 cup peas or other vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained and rinsed) (See Notes)
3 cups chopped lettuce
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup sliced green onion (any type)
1 Tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or any other)
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Place barley and water in a 2 to 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer until barley is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  4. Rinse cooked barley in cold water for a short time. Drain and put into a large bowl.
  5. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try substituting different fruits and vegetables.
  • Cook frozen vegetables according to package directions or to 165 degrees F.
  • Pearl barley is high in fiber but 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 bowl and continue with step 3.

Comments

Did this as an all school tasting and kids were not receptive to it because the green onions had too strong of a presence. Might try substituting bell pepper or cucumber with a small amount of cilantro instead next time.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Pasta with Greens and Beans
Bowl of vegetable pasta sprinkled with grated parmesan.

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Your favorite Italian flavors combine to make the perfect pasta dinner.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Fresh Veggie Pizza
Platter of eight English muffins layered with a creamy sauce and vegetable topping.

Fresh Veggie Pizza

A fun version of pizza on English muffins, with cream cheese, fresh veggies and tangy parmesan. A great meal to make with the whole family!
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Skillet Meal
Bowl of cheesy pasta with broccoli florets.

Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Skillet Meal

Quick and easy pasta with fresh or frozen veggies and a cheesy sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
North African Spice Mix
Wooden bowl with ground spices.

North African Spice Mix

A warm and fragrant blend of dried herbs and spices for rubbing on proteins and vegetables, and for seasoning soups, stews and marinades.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Winter Fruit Crisp
Plate of baked sliced apples with a sweet granola topping.

Winter Fruit Crisp

Quick and easy fruit treat with warm buttery oats, sweetened with brown sugar.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bars (4 inches x 2 inches)
Tropical Beets
Bowl of red beets and pineapple.

Tropical Beets

A 15-minute side dish that is tangy, sweet and earthy.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.