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)

Stovetop Bulgur
Bowl of soft, cooked bulgur.

Stovetop Bulgur

Nutrient-rich whole grain with a light and nutty flavor that cooks quickly.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Cranberry Applesauce
Bowl of smooth apple and cranberry puree.

Cranberry Applesauce

A new way to enjoy applesauce that is bright, flavorful and kid-approved.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Tropical Carrot Salad
Bowl of shredded carrots with pineapples and raisins in a yogurt dressing.

Tropical Carrot Salad

Sweet and savory salad with crunchy carrots, sweet raisins and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Tortilla Casserole
Saucy casserole slice on a plate.

Tortilla Casserole

Warm and cheesy meal with bright salsa and fresh cilantro.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
12 wedges
Fish Tacos
Platter of corn tortillas with creamy slaw and fish filling served with lime wedges.

Fish Tacos

30-minute tacos with a creamy slaw, tangy lime and a hint of cayenne.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 tacos
Banana Boats
Grilled bananas topped with pineapple and shredded coconut shown on a serving platter.

Banana Boats

Try this tasty and healthy campfire treat. A fun recipe for kids to help make!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 banana
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.