A bright and colorful salad with a combination of grains, veggies and fruit.
Fiesta Barley Salad
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
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- 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.
- Rinse cooked barley in cold water for a short time. Drain and put into a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- 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.
You might also like...
Tofu "Egg" Salad
Tofu "Egg" Salad
A great make-ahead tofu lunch recipe with crunchy celery and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Garden Herbal Tea
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
Frozen Fruit Yogurt
Frozen Fruit Yogurt
A kid-approved, 3-ingredient treat that only takes a few minutes to make and uses your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ cups
Microwave Pear Sauce
Microwave Pear Sauce
Enjoy this easy-to-make pear sauce as a fruit snack, or as a topping for pancakes or French toast.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Stovetop 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
Skillet Corn Chowder
Skillet Corn Chowder
Only 5 ingredients to make this creamy and comforting chowder.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups

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.