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Special Diet Information

Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.

Sodium
This is NOT a low sodium recipe.

GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.

Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is NOT safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.

 

"In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."
-Mark Twain, Author

The refrigerator light goes on...

Barley makes a great alternative to pasta or rice salads. It has a terrific, slightly chewy texture that goes so well in a salad like this one. You could substitute the barley for pasta or rice in your favorite salad. The rule of thumb is 1 cup of uncooked barley = 3 servings. Likewise, you're not stuck with the veggies in this salad. Like asparagus or spinach? Add that instead of the peppers and squash.


 

Spring Barley Salad

Servings: 3 | Serving size: about 2 cups

Cooking Time: 60 Minutes

This recipe can be multiplied by 2, 3, 4, 5.

This recipe makes very good leftovers.

2 quarts water
1 cup pearled barley
1 small shallot (minced)
2 ribs celery (diced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
1 medium yellow squash (seeded and diced)
1/2 medium green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
4 radishes (sliced very thin)
2 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
2 Tbsp pine nuts
2 Tbsp capers
2 Tbsp liquid from jar of capers
6 large leaves fresh basil (chiffonade)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Place the water in a large stock pot over high heat. When it begins to boil add the barley and reduce the heat to medium-high so that the barley is at a slow rolling boil. Stir occasionally.

While the barley is cooking prep the vegetables and add the shallot, celery, carrots, yellow squash, green bell pepper, radishes, feta cheese, pine nuts, capers, caper liquid and basil to a large bowl. Fold together gently.

Add two tablespoons of the olive oil to the bowl and fold together gently. Place the bowl in the refrigerator.

When the barley is just cooked it will be slight firm and chewy but not have a grainy texture. Drain and add to a second bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and fold gently. Let the barley cool for about ten minutes and then put it in the refrigerator to chill.

After about 30 minutes fold the chilled barley into the bowl with the veggies, salt and pepper. Chill for another 30 minutes or so.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: about 2 cups

Servings: 3

Amount Per Serving

Calories 454 Calories from Fat 175
% Daily Value
Total Fat 20g 31%
    Saturated Fat 5g 25%
    Monounsaturated Fat 11g
    Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 17mg 6%
Sodium 630mg 26%
Total Carbohydrates 61g 20%
    Dietary Fiber 13g 52%
    Sugars 4g
Protein 11g
Vitamin A 146% Vitamin C 38%
Calcium 15% Iron 14%
Vitamin K 31 mcg Potassium 534 mg
Magnesium 80 mg