Barley and Herb Salad (Printable version)

Nutty pearl barley meets fresh herbs and zesty lemon for a vibrant Mediterranean salad.

# What You 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

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add barley, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooled barley, parsley, mint, dill, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Pour the vinaigrette over the barley mixture and toss gently to combine.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich pearl barley and fresh vegetables.
  • Refreshing: The combination of mint, dill, and lemon juice creates a bright, zesty profile.
  • Easy Prep: Simple steps and basic tools make this a stress-free meal option.
02 -
  • Storage: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper right before serving, as the barley may absorb the dressing over time.
Go back