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)

Garden Herbal Tea
Mugs of water infused with herbs and orange peels.

Garden Herbal Tea

A quick and easy way to enjoy cold or warm tea using whatever herbs you like.
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Green cabbage with strips of chicken on a plate.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Stovetop Millet
Plate of cooked millet.

Stovetop Millet

This ancient whole grain has a mild corn-like flavor and a light fluffy texture when cooked.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Mix and Match Skillet Meal
Rice, chicken, vegetable and cheese dish.

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

Make this stir fry your own with your favorite protein, vegetables, and grain!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Stovetop Farro
Bowls of cooked farro.

Stovetop Farro

A slightly nutty-tasting whole grain with a chewy texture. Make a batch ahead for quick grain bowls and stir-fries.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
35 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Peach Salsa
Small bowl of a colorful peach and vegetable salsa shown with crackers.

Peach Salsa

A colorful and refreshingly sweet and savory salsa perfect for chips, tacos, or topping fish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups