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)

Potato Salad
Bowl of potatoes, celery and olives with a creamy dressing.

Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad with tangy mustard and crunchy celery. Perfect potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Ramen Cabbage Salad
Cabbage and vegetable mix on a bed of ramen noodles.

Ramen Cabbage Salad

Fresh veggies, crunchy noodles and a flavorful dressing make this a unique and delicious salad.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Oval ceramic serving dish with potato leek soup.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

A tasty soup that is creamy, garlicky and comforting. Ready in one hour!
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Ham and Vegetable Chowder
Small bowls of potato and ham soup with shredded cheese.

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

A hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for the cold weather.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes
Fluffy couscous mixed with chopped vegetables.

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Make ahead salad that combines fresh veggies, couscous or your favorite grain, and tangy Italian dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Watermelon Salsa
Bowl of watermelon cubes with cilantro dressing.

Watermelon Salsa

Enjoy this unique salsa as a sweet, tangy and fresh snack or as a topping for tacos or fish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups