Best Italian Barley Salad Recipes

ITALIAN BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Cook barley or brown rice according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine prosciutto strips, tomatoes, peppers, green onions, basil, parmigiano, olive oil. lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add the cooled barley and toss to blend.

MEDITERRANEAN BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the barley, oil, and salt. Bring back to a boil, adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes more. Drain excess liquid, if needed. Cool.
• Meanwhile, whisk the lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large serving bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream, to make a smooth dressing. Add the barley and the remaining salad ingredients and toss to coat with the dressing. Serve.

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT AND BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Roast eggplant and zucchini:
• Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 425°F.
• Toss eggplant and zucchini with 5 tablespoons oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl, then spread in 2 oiled large shallow (1-inch-deep) baking pans. Roast vegetables in oven, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking, until vegetables are golden brown and tender, 20 to 25 minutes total. Combine vegetables in 1 pan and cool, reserving other pan for cooling barley.
• Cook barley:
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook scallion, cumin, coriander, and cayenne, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add barley and cook, stirring until well coated with oil, 2 minutes more. Add broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until all of liquid is absorbed and barley is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Transfer to reserved shallow baking pan and spread to quickly cool, uncovered, to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
• Make dressing and assemble salad:
• Whisk together lemon juice, garlic, sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 3 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add barley, roasted vegetables, and remaining ingredients to bowl with dressing and toss until combined well. Serve with cheese slices.

VEGETABLE-BARLEY SALAD

Steps:

• Thinly slice red onion and toss with vinegar; set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add barley. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until barley is tender and water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Thinly slice kale leaves and add to a large bowl along with cooked barley, red onion mixture, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

BARLEY SALAD WITH ALMONDS AND APRICOTS

Steps:

• Rinse barley in a fine sieve. Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the barley, and return to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat. Simmer until water is absorbed, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Pour oil into a small skillet, and place over medium heat. Add onion, and saute until golden brown.
• In a serving dish, combine barley, onion, apricots, almonds, and parsley. Toss.
• In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and nutmeg. Pour over the barley mixture ,and toss well to combine. Serve at room temperature.