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)

Barley Lentil Soup
Bowls of soup containing colorful vegetables, lentils and barley.

Barley Lentil Soup

One-pot hearty lentil soup that’s packed with veggies, herbs and grains!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
10 cups
Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl
A colorful bowl of vegetables and fish on top of a bed of rice served with sesame seeds.

Sesame Fish and Rice Bowl

This quick and easy meal of rice topped with fish in a savory sauce can be comforting and healthy. Add pickled vegetables for color, crunch and nutrients.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Apple Bars
Baked Apple Bars with oatmeal crumble on top are displayed on a platter.

Apple Bars

A comforting apple bar with an easy crust, spiced apple filling and crumble topping.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 bars
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick orange smoothie.

Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie

Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ 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
Fiesta Barley Salad
Bowl of mandarin orange and barley salad with a wooden serving fork.

Fiesta Barley Salad

A bright and colorful salad with a combination of grains, veggies and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups