Make-ahead fresh and flavorful salad that is hearty and filling.
Barley Summer Salad
Ingredients
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed (see Notes)
3 cups water
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup chopped sweet snap peas
2 cups chopped apple (1 to 2 medium apples) or another fresh fruit or veggie, chopped
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onion
1 Tablespoon vinegar
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup lemon juice or lime juice
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Place barley and water in a 2 or 3 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and cook until barley is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
- Add remaining ingredients. Toss well.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Substitute different fruits and vegetables in season.
- Add nuts or seeds for added protein.
- Pearl barley is high in fiber but it 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 large bowl and begin at step 4.
You might also like...
Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos
Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos
Tortillas are rolled around a flavorful filling of beans, spices and chicken. Kids and adults will love them for a quick and tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Burritos
Zucchini Salad
Zucchini Salad
Quick and tasty side salad with fresh vegetables, herbs and a lemon dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Fried Rice with Pork
Fried Rice with Pork
A simple and adaptable recipe that uses any vegetables you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Quick Chili
Quick Chili
With 5 ingredients and 30 minutes, you will have a hearty and satisfying chili. Add your favorite veggies and toppings.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Chicken Soup with Tortilla
Chicken Soup with Tortilla
Delicious one-pot meal packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Enjoy as a weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 Cups
Comments
We made this for three classes of 4th graders and the results were mixed. One common comment I kept hearing is that it was too tart and the barley had no flavor. The students and some staff suggested adding either salt to the barley while cooking, or sugar once it's done as part of the dressing. I think orange juice would be a better replacement for the lemon juice to make it less tart and sweeten it up a bit. Seasoning is a definite! Adding salt to the barley while cooking is highly needed, as is a little pepper in the end. The kids all loved the fruit in it and the look of it, but the agreed that it needs more seasoning.
This was a big hit! To make it festive for the 4th of July I used an extra cup of blueberries and took out the snappeas. I also used jicama instead of apple. That way the dish turns out red, white, and blue! I would even diced up a whole red pepper and use the whole thing, instead of just 1/2 cup.