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)

Corn Pancakes
Round, golden corn pancakes displayed on a skillet and plate.

Corn Pancakes

A delicious savory alternative to traditional pancakes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 6-inch pancakes
Pasta Salad
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and Summer side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Hummus (no tahini)
Bowl of hummus with a lemon slice served with carrot sticks, tomatoes and broccoli.

Hummus (no tahini)

Simple yet delicious homemade hummus dip, made without tahini.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Carrot Ginger Salad
Photo of Carrot Ginger Salad

Carrot Ginger Salad

This flavorful, sweet and savory side dish is great for make-ahead meals!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning mix shown with crawfish, lemon, potato and corn.

Creole Seasoning

Add savory flavor to your favorite vegetables, grains, meats, fish, seafood, poultry, soups and stews!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
about ½ cup
Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup
Bowl of chicken noodle soup served with crackers.

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Make your own noodles for this comforting soup.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups