Whole grain barley and apple porridge –Welcome to my latest post! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe featuring one of my favorite ingredients: barley. This whole grain is not only nutritious but also adds a wonderful texture to dishes. Let’s dive into this recipe that highlights barley in a delicious way.
Barley Salad with Fresh Vegetables
This vibrant barley salad is perfect for any meal. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole barley
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by rinsing the barley under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed barley to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the barley is tender but still chewy.
- Once the barley is cooked, drain any excess water and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked barley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the barley and vegetable mixture, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving it up!
This barley salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. It’s also great for meal prep, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. The nutty flavor of barley paired with the freshness of the veggies makes this dish a winner every time. Enjoy your cooking!