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
Roasted Bell Peppers
Multicolored bell pepper halves with blistered skin in a bowl.

Roasted Bell Peppers

Only 4 ingredients to make these roasted sweet peppers with Italian spices.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bell pepper halves
Veggie Patties
Plate of vegetable and potato patties served with a creamy sauce and microgreens on top.

Veggie Patties

Quick 30-minute meal with carrots, zucchini and potatoes. Works well with most any vegetables and seasonings.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
14 patties
Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables
Glass jars of peppers, garlic, asparagus and carrots in pickling brine.

Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables

Make your own crispy pickled vegetables at home with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 pints or 1 quart
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
Breakfast Banana Split
A bowl with halved banana is topped with yogurt, pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of granola.

Breakfast Banana Split

Try this kid-approved recipe for a healthy and fun breakfast. Whole-grain cereal is topped with yogurt, pineapple and a drizzle of honey.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Banana Splits