Bright and Flavorful Mediterranean Barley Salad

Introduction

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, making it a favorite among home cooks. One dish that embodies these principles is Mediterranean barley salad. This salad not only showcases the wholesome goodness of barley but also brings together a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing.

Barley, often overlooked, is a nutritious grain rich in fiber and essential nutrients. When paired with the colorful ingredients typical of Mediterranean dishes, it creates a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, Mediterranean barley salad is versatile and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions & Preparation

1. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the barley is tender but still chewy. If the barley absorbs all the liquid, add a little more broth or water as needed.
3. After cooking, drain any excess liquid and allow the barley to cool for about 10 minutes in a large mixing bowl.
4. While the barley is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
6. Once the barley has cooled, add the cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dressing to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
7. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an extra flavor kick, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

FAQs

Can I use different grains instead of barley?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa or farro for a different texture and flavor.

What can I add for extra protein?

Chickpeas or grilled chicken can be excellent additions for extra protein.

What if the salad is too dry?

If the salad feels dry, drizzle a little more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice to moisten it.

Can I make this salad spicy?

For some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the salad.

How can I make it more filling?

Including diced avocado or adding nuts like walnuts can make the salad more filling.

Is there a way to enhance the flavor?

Marinating the salad for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator can enhance the flavors significantly.

Conclusion

Mediterranean barley salad is a delightful way to incorporate healthy grains and vibrant vegetables into your meals. Its adaptability allows you to experiment with seasonal ingredients, making it an excellent choice year-round.

Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress with its fresh flavors and colorful presentation. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean at your dining table.

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Bright and Flavorful Mediterranean Barley Salad

Mediterranean Barley Salad made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Rinse the pearl barley under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed barley and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the barley is tender but still chewy. If the barley absorbs all the liquid, add a little more broth or water as needed.
• After cooking, drain any excess liquid and allow the barley to cool for about 10 minutes in a large mixing bowl.
• While the barley is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
• Once the barley has cooled, add the cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dressing to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an extra flavor kick, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.