Green Barley Salad Recipe

A vibrant and wholesome salad can be a game changer, and this colourful pearl barley salad with a herb vinaigrette is a perfect example.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How To Make Barley Salad
• Serving Suggestions
• More Salad Recipes
• Green Barley Salad Recipe

Packed with fresh vegetables, pearl barley, and a refreshing green dressing, this salad is not only visually stunning but also nutritious and delicious. The beauty of this barley salad lies in its variety of colourful ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salad Ingredients:

• Pearl Barley is a processed form of whole barley grain just like white rice. Its easy to cook, and store.
• Red Kidney Beans increase the nutritional value of the salad and makes it more filling.
• Vegetables: Bell Peppers, Cucumber, Onion (optional)
• Parsley or Cilantro finely chopped

Green Dressing Ingredients:

• Cashews are the key ingredient of this creamy dressing. You can substitute them with almonds.
• Flavouring Agents: Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper
• Herbs: Coriander Stalks and Leaves, Mint, and Parsley
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil to bring the dressing together.
• Lemon Juice or Red Wine Vinegar for the tang.

How To Make Barley Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pearl Barley

• Rinse the pearl barley under running water to remove excess starch.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or vegetable stock to a boil.
• Add the pearl barley, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 – 25 minutes until tender but slightly chewy (al dente).
• Drain any excess liquid and let it cool to room temperature in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing

• While the barley is cooking, prepare the salad dressing.
• Soak cashews in hot water for 15 – 20 minutes or till they soften.
• Add all the dressing ingredients along with soaked cashews to a blender.
• Blend them to a smooth consistency. If required add 1 – 2 tablespoons of water to get a spoon dropping consistency. 

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pearl barley, cooked beans, and chopped vegetables.
• Pour the green dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
• Add finely chopped herbs. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re making it for a weekday meal, a summer picnic, or a potluck gathering, this barley salad is sure to impress.

• Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own.
• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced meal.
• Use it as a filling for pita bread or wraps for a wholesome Mediterranean style bowl meals.