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)

Beet Dip
A bowl of beet dip is served with jicama, carrot and celery sticks.

Beet Dip

Fresh earthy flavor combined with tangy lemon and creamy tahini makes this a flavorful and colorful dip!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Potato Wedges
Plate of golden baked potato slices.

Potato Wedges

Seasoned baked potato wedges with a crispy outside and soft inside.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Chicken Creole
Tender chicken cooked in a tomato and spice-based sauce served over a bowl of pasta.

Chicken Creole

Quick and easy recipe that is full of flavor and ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Slow Cooker Beans
Crock Pot with cooked red kidney beans.

Slow Cooker Beans

Making beans in the slow cooker is easy and can save you money. Season them the way you like and make enough to freeze for more easy meals.
Prepare:
5 minutes + 6 hours soaking
Cook:
4 to 6 hours
Makes:
6 cups
Baked Apple Chips
Slices of dried apples sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter.

Baked Apple Chips

Simple yet tasty snack or dessert recipe combining sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice. Only 2 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
2 Cups
Sautéed Peppers
Bowl of tender bell pepper and onion slices.

Sautéed Peppers

These sauteed sweet peppers and onions are delicious enjoyed on their own, added to sandwiches or pasta, or with fajitas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups