A vibrant and nutritious barley salad with roasted bell peppers and creamy feta cheese, perfect for a refreshing side dish.
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Total
120 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Cook the barley
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of pearl barley with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and let it cool.
Pro tip: For extra flavour, cook barley in vegetable broth instead of water.
Roast the peppers
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut bell peppers into quarters, remove seeds, and place them on a baking sheet, skin side up. Roast for 20-25 minutes until skins are charred.
Pro tip: Place roasted peppers in a covered bowl to steam for easy peeling.
Peel and chop the peppers
Once cool, peel off the skins of the roasted peppers and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pro tip: Adjust seasoning as needed to match your taste preference.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, roasted peppers, crumbled feta, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Pro tip: For more colour, add additional herbs like basil or mint.
Chill the salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.
Pro tip: Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Tips & Tricks
- Roast the peppers until charred for added smoky flavour.
- Use pearl barley for a quicker cooking time.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour for best flavour integration.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a barley salad?
A barley salad is a cold dish made with cooked barley, vegetables, and often cheese or nuts, dressed with vinaigrette or lemon juice.
How do you cook barley for salad?
Cook barley by simmering 1 cup of rinsed barley in 2 1/2 cups of water for 30-40 minutes until tender. Drain excess water.
How long does barley salad last?
Barley salad can last up to three days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze barley salad?
While you can freeze barley, freezing the salad may affect the texture of the vegetables and feta. It's best enjoyed fresh.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy flavour.
Is barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
250
Calories
7g
Protein
12g
Fat
30g
Carbs
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