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)

Pumpkin Smoothie in a Cup
Glass of thick smoothie served with cinnamon sticks.

Pumpkin Smoothie in a Cup

The perfect smoothie recipe for those who enjoy the flavors of fall. Ready in 5 minutes!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Peach Sundae
Small bowls of yogurt with a soft peach topping.

Peach Sundae

A 5-minute yogurt peach sundae with juicy peaches, sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Lentil Taco Filling
Bowl of seasoned lentils with vegetables garnished with cilantro.

Lentil Taco Filling

A tasty alternative to meat or fish tacos that provides a filling rich in flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Berry Blast Off
A sundae glass filled with layers of sliced strawberries, granola, blueberries and creamy yogurt.

Berry Blast Off

This parfait combines granola, berries and yogurt for the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Roasted Beets
Baking sheet with golden and red beets.

Roasted Beets

A colorful and earthy side dish that only uses 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
5 to 10 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth
Pot full of water with vegetables and herbs.

Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth

Use leftover veggie scraps to make a delicious broth to use in soups or cooking beans and grains!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
6 to 12 cups