Author Notes: This is my own grain salad recipe that combines vegetables, cheese, and hearty barley for a healthy lunch. – katiebakes —katiebakes
Food52 Review: Since first noticing the recipe, I’ve made three versions of it, using what I had on hand at the time. I’ve served it to three different sets of people and shared a spoonful of it with a couple of co-workers, and I had to e-mail the link to this recipe to all of them. We all love the chewy, crunchy and soft textures and the salty, sour heat. And because it’s more nutritious, refreshing and exciting than pasta salad, this is what we’ll be bringing to picnics and backyard potlucks this summer. Once, I was out of cucumber, so I substituted sliced celery; I’ve added chopped Roma tomatoes instead of cherry (I prefer the natural sweetness that cherry tomatoes add, however); and I never have champagne vinegar, so I use white wine vinegar in its place. – betteirene —betteirene
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
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1
cup hulled barley
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3 1/2
cups water
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1
jalapeno, seeded and minced
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1/2
cup finely diced seeded cucumber
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1/3
cup lightly packed finely chopped fresh basil
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1/2
cup halved cherry tomatoes
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1/3
cup diced fresh mozzarella
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2
tablespoons finely chopped kalamata olives
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3
tablespoons olive oil
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1
tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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2
tablespoons champagne vinegar
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1
teaspoon high-quality balsamic vinegar
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1/2
teaspoon salt
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1/2
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- In a large saucepan, bring 3 1/2 cups water to a boil. Add barley, cover and simmer 40 minutes. Remove lid and continue simmering 15 minutes longer, or until barley is soft but still chewy. Drain, rinse, and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine barley, jalapeno, and next 5 ingredients.
- Whisk together olive oil and remaining ingredients and add to barley mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
/ab13b7fe-c08f-4478-a55e-d911831e6afc--040111F_Hulled_Barley_06.JPG "Barley Bowl 2")
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/4fcff000-1f13-449a-ae10-eb1100535945--DSC_0871-barley_salad.jpg "Barley Bowl 3")
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