Barley and Herb Salad (Print Version)

Nutty pearl barley tossed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant Mediterranean dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Herbs & Vegetables

04 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 small cucumber, diced

→ Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add rinsed barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooled barley with chopped parsley, mint, dill, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the barley mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Rich in Fiber: Pearl barley provides a hearty, nutty base that keeps you full.
  • Herbaceous Blast: A combination of parsley, mint, and dill offers a refreshing aroma.
  • Zesty Vinaigrette: The homemade lemon-mustard dressing ties everything together perfectly.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: This salad stays fresh and delicious even after a day in the fridge.
02 -
  • Don't Overcook: Cook the barley until just tender to maintain a pleasant nutty chew.
  • Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure the dressing is fully emulsified for a consistent flavor throughout.
  • Allergen Check: This recipe contains mustard and gluten; always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Go Back